Our History
Impact One Initiative began in 2013 with a simple vision—to help community schools in Ng’ombe Compound reach their full potential so that children could thrive. At the time, many schools were full of hope but short on resources. Teachers often worked without training, materials were scarce, and classrooms overflowed with children eager to learn.
Our founder, Whitney Morreau Zulu, recognized both the challenges and the incredible potential within these schools. In the early years, she moved from one school to another—observing, listening, and testing small solutions. Drawing from her background in social work and community development, Whitney began creating training materials and programs that addressed real needs on the ground.
What began as small acts of partnership—listening, encouraging, and sharing ideas—soon grew into a movement of empowerment. These early collaborations formed our first network of community schools, Chibanja, united by a shared desire to see every child learn and thrive.
In 2018, we celebrated a major milestone with the opening of the Impact One Library. For the first time, our team had a home base—five of us squeezed into one small office—but it was filled with purpose and possibility. The Library became a place of discovery for students and teachers alike, a space bursting with books, learning, and hope. We opened our doors to neighbors as well, and Community Day was born. That first gathering drew just twelve children, but they quickly spread the word. Soon, children who had never held a storybook before were falling in love with reading.
Through every season, our work has remained rooted in one belief: each child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover God’s purpose for their life. Today, our team walks alongside 17 schools, reaching more than 4,000 children each year through programs that strengthen school leadership, equip teachers, and expand access to learning.
From humble beginnings to a growing movement, the story of Impact One is a story of partnership, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness—proof that when we invest in people, transformation follows.
As our relationships across the community deepened, so did our reach. In 2022, we launched our second network of community schools, Chikondano, expanding collaboration and impact. That same year, we opened a larger Library and Training Center, a vibrant hub where teachers learn, leaders grow, and children gain greater access to quality educational resources. Through word of mouth, Community Day has grown beyond anything we imagined—now welcoming more than 1,200 children in a single day!
Whitney launching a penpal program at Fountain of Life
Whitney facilitating a training in 2014
All our events were hosted in our partner schools
The early days of our reading program began with donated books and volunteers.
We delivered books to each school for daily reading time.
Our first library and office space opens in 2018
Schools begin visiting each week
Our neighbors enjoying the space on Community Day
The launch of our second network in 2022 before our Library was finished
Our new Library opens in 2022
Our Chibanja Directors celebrating 10 years
10 Year Anniversary Party in 2023
Our Chikondano network studies Scripture together in each training
Bigger space for bigger trainings and bigger impact.