Banani International Secondary School, located in Chisamba, Zambia near the village of Liteta, is a distinguished residential girls’ secondary school for grades 8–12. The school is a non-profit institution, deeply rooted in the principles of the Baháʼí Faith. It was established under the auspices of the William Mmutle Masetlha Foundation with guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Zambia. The school is named in honor of Musa Banani, a notable Hand of the Cause in the Baháʼí community.
Historical Overview
Banani International Secondary School was conceptualized in 1987, with construction beginning in 1990. The school welcomed its first cohort of 65 students in 1993 and was officially inaugurated in 1996 by Zambia’s Minister of Education, Hon. A. Hambayi. The inauguration was attended by significant figures from the Baháʼí International Community and supporters from Austria and South Africa. Over the years, the school has been ranked highly for its educational quality, including being placed 93rd in the top 100 best high schools in Africa by Africa Almanac in 2003.
School Motto
The school’s motto is inspired by the teachings of Baháʼu’lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith: “Let your vision be world embracing, rather than confined to your own self.”
Academic Programme and Facilities
Banani International offers a robust academic curriculum which includes core and supplemental courses in:
- Mathematics (Including Additional Mathematics)
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Humanities (History, Geography)
- Languages (English, French)
- Business Studies and Accounts
- Information Technology and Computer Studies
The school facilities are designed to support a comprehensive educational and extracurricular program. These include:
- Eight classrooms
- A science laboratory
- A 30-station computer lab
- Agricultural practice areas
- A well-stocked library
- Dormitories accommodating up to 200 students
- A senior commons with a theater and recording studio
- Sports facilities including play fields and a swimming pool
Accreditation and Awards
For grades 8 and 9, Banani International follows the Zambian Ministry of Education syllabus, culminating in the junior secondary school leaving exams. Grades 10 to 12 transition to a curriculum based on the University of Cambridge syllabus, allowing students to earn the International General Certificate of Secondary Education or the Cambridge IT Skills Diploma.
School Culture
The student body wears uniforms throughout the week, with more casual attire permitted on weekends. Regular Baháʼí devotions form an integral part of the weekly schedule. The diverse student population primarily includes Zambians, but also students from other countries. The teaching staff is equally diverse, featuring educators from Zambia, Canada, Congo, Uganda, and the United States, reflecting the school’s international ethos.
Banani International not only emphasizes academic excellence but also fosters a nurturing environment where young women are encouraged to develop holistically, embracing global perspectives while rooted in their local context. The school remains committed to expanding educational opportunities, including proposals to introduce primary education and day student options to complement its existing offerings.
