Learners at Mpukano Primary School in Kabbe South, Zambezi Region, risk their lives daily by canoeing across flood-prone waters of the Ikaba floodplains to attend classes. Many from Grade 0 to 4 miss school out of fear, leaving parents deeply worried about potential tragedies.

Residents say the dangers intensify during flood season. After crossing, learners still walk long distances to reach the school.

Risco Simasiku, an Ikaba resident, said: "From this village, about 22 learners cross here daily. It's a big concern now with floods starting. These kids use canoes, and when parents take them for other uses, children miss school for a week."

Likando Ngulwa, another resident, added, "This channel never dries up fully. We need proper transport for safe crossings; dugout canoes aren't reliable."

Mpukano Primary School Board Chairperson Ikosa Silimwe said transport woes worsened after a ministry-provided banana boat was damaged by a hippo and remains unrepaired. The school also lacks electricity, forcing staff to canoe 3 kilometres to Ikava Combined School for printing and admin tasks.

Grade 0 to 9 learners at nearby Muuzi Combined School face identical challenges. A community hostel built to ease travel is now rundown, with residents complaining of poor food and health risks.

Another resident, Namasiku Sumbwa, noted, "Parents pay N$200, but children aren't fed properly. When food runs out, they cook themselves, and storage poses health dangers."

Zambezi Education Director Alex Sikume said Mpukano's electrification is planned but unfunded, with no budget for hostel upgrades. Health access is equally dire: the local clinic's construction stalled, forcing canoe trips elsewhere in floods.

Ministry of  Health spokesperson Walters Kamaya confirmed clinic work will resume soon.

Residents urge a bridge to connect communities to schools, clinics, and villages year-round.