Nchimunya Wulf, a stylist and interior designer from Zambia and Denmark, found her calling to construct schools in Zambia through personal loss. Losing her mother at age 17 instilled in her a strong desire to reconnect with her heritage and make a significant impact. “I wanted to do something bigger than my sorrow,” Wulf shares with TunesDeck. This drive led her to co-found the 14+ Foundation alongside architect Joseph Mizzi, successfully establishing two schools in rural Zambia for over 250 children.
Wulf’s upbringing as the sole person of color in her Danish environment influenced her decision to return to Zambia to give back. Having lived in various African countries, she transitioned to Denmark post her parents’ separation, where she felt different in a predominantly white society. “I think being ‘othered’ motivated me to reconnect with my roots and create something of value,” she reflects.
The journey of building a school in rural Zambia posed significant challenges. Wulf’s partnership with Mizzi blossomed from an unexpected meeting in New York, where a conversation about Zambia sparked their collaborative vision. Mizzi, with his architectural expertise, joined as her cofounder.
With both located in New York, they relied heavily on local support to facilitate the project. Wulf’s aunt played a vital role as community director, actively engaging with local leaders, obtaining land, and enlisting community volunteers. “The excitement within the community was palpable,” Wulf notes, recalling their warm welcome and the generous gift of chickens. This enthusiasm propelled them to lay the groundwork for the first school, Chipakata Children’s Academy, inaugurated in 2015.
The school’s influence was profound; it marked the first educational opportunity for many children, who were thrilled to experience a building that had stairs and a library. “They had never walked up stairs before,” Wulf reminisces.
Inspired by Chipakata’s success, Wulf and Mizzi constructed a second school, Mary Malambo School, in 2018, named in memory of Wulf’s mother.
Community engagement has been crucial to Wulf’s strategy. “We employed local men for construction,” she elaborates, highlighting collaboration with professionals from Lusaka. They also created a women’s club called Tiseko, which supports agriculture and microfinancing to establish a self-sustaining framework. “We source food from them for the students, fostering a healthy cycle of income within the community.”
Initially, Wulf visited Zambia twice a year, while Mizzi traveled quarterly. As operations stabilized, her annual visits now reflect her trust in the established system. The schools have evolved into educational hubs and sources of community pride.
A transformative journey
Wulf’s achievements in Zambia, alongside the success of the schools and the upliftment of the local populace, have helped her process the grief of her mother’s passing. “Establishing the school felt like mending my heart,” she expresses.
Juggling her dual identity as a New Yorker and rural Zambian community leader has led to a unique balance in her life. Embracing the complexities, she perceives the interplay as enriching. “I believe the purpose of life is to be of use,” she states. True giving is about imparting knowledge, which she regards as a route to freedom. This sense of duty propels her forward, even through tough times.
Future aspirations
A significant element of 14+’s continued success is its backing from prominent figures, including NBA player Kevin Durant. His organization collaborated with Wulf to build a basketball court at the second school; a development she celebrates given basketball’s rising popularity in Africa. The court, created by artist Rashid Johnson, will provide local youths with the opportunity to explore sports at a higher level.
Fundraising remains vital for sustaining 14+ Foundation’s initiatives. Each year, they host the Annual Cocktail Benefit in New York, with this year’s event scheduled for October 29, directing proceeds to benefit the schools and related projects.
As the foundation expands, Wulf’s vision includes extending their educational efforts across the continent. Beyond education, she is passionate about enhancing healthcare access for women and girls in rural regions. “I aspire to develop mobile clinics reminiscent of Planned Parenthood on Wheels for those in need.”
Wulf’s aspirations may seem ambitious, but she embodies optimism and determination, asserting, “I tell myself there’s nothing I can’t do. What’s the worst that can happen?”
Comment