Healthy Learners

Healthy Learners is an award-winning nonprofit organization working to improve the health and learning of children across Zambia. Founded in 2015 by Lonnie Hackett and Ignicious Bulongo, the organization brings healthcare directly into schools so that children stay healthy, stay in class, and reach their full potential. Their model is government-owned and government-led, fully embedded in national priorities, systems, and structures.

The organization trains select teachers as community health workers, equipping them with digital diagnostic tools to identify and respond to children's health needs. They establish health rooms in schools where children can access care, and have implemented buddy group systems where students support each other's wellbeing. Working in partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, Healthy Learners has created fast-track referral systems linking schools with local health facilities. Their comprehensive approach includes health education, deworming programs, immunization campaigns, and addressing issues like menstrual health for girls. Research published with Harvard School of Public Health demonstrated a 38% reduction in morbidity among program participants, with costs as low as $1.50 per child annually after initial setup.