A place where our kids get to LEARN while having FUN!

Zona K was born with the mission to provide a welcoming, safe, and innovative space and community, where children and youth can develop academic, technological, creative, and social-emotional skills, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.

What do We Do?

ZK ACTIVITIES

The “K” in Zona K stands for many things, but above all, it represents the core skills — rooted in Kriolu Kabuverdeanu — that we build in our zonistas. In a world fast-marching into the age of AI, we believe leaning into our unique human characteristics is more valuable than ever.

Kriatividadi

Creativity is chief among human traits, which is why it is the beating heart of our program. We are constantly flexing our creative muscles in every way imaginable!

Movimento Korporal

Through it all, our zonistas stay moving! For many kids, this is their absolute favorite part of the day. They get outside, soak up some vitamin D, and unleash their energy through high-energy exercises and active play.

Kulinária

In Cabo Verde, our best community rituals center around food! Our main mission is to build life-long friendships, and our weekly cooking sessions do just that. Not only do the kids gain independence and important life skills, but cooking also provides the perfect, laid-back setting for zonistas to mingle, laugh, and connect.

Kumunikason

Learning to fluidly express what is inside us is an invaluable superpower. In small, low-pressure settings, our zonistas conquer public speaking anxiety and share their big ideas through a mix of presentations, interactive activities, and fun improv games.

Koding y Konputason

Thanks to our incredible donors, we’ve secured 18 laptops to get our zonistas coding and navigating the digital world with confidence. Developing digital dexterity opens doors to future opportunities that traditional school systems barely scratch the surface of here in Cabo Verde!

The Power of Two Languages

To raise true global citizens, we operate entirely as a bilingual immersion program in English and Kabuverdeanu. Kriolu is the native tongue for most of our kids, making it the perfect, natural foundation for learning new skills. At the same time, this setup gives our non-Cabo Verdean students a golden opportunity to pick up the local language.

We believe the best way to learn a language is to actually use it! We’ve created an immersive environment where kids are surrounded by mentors speaking exclusively in either English or Kriolu, giving them natural, everyday opportunities to practice both through all their favorite Zona K activities.

JOIN THE FUN / SEE OUR OFFERINGS :)

"Um obrigada gigante a esta equipa incrível do Zona K! Foram 2 meses e meio cheios de alegria, aprendizagens, diversão, dedicação e muito carinho pelos nossos pequenos. A minha filha sentiu-se tão feliz e integrada que nem queria vir embora no final do dia.”
- Solange Ramos

“I highly recommend Zona K to all families looking for a trustworthy, high-quality, and inspiring space for their children!”
- Aline Conceição (ZK PARENT)

"...A intenção era de ela ir, no máximo, 3 vezes por semana... mas todos os dias, muito antes da hora, ela já estava pronta para as suas tardes estimulantes na Zona K!!!!..."
- Sonia Tavares

"...É uma (organização] que sabe adaptar-se a cada criança, respeitando as suas necessidades e personalidades... Sem dúvida, recomendo a todas as famílias que procuram um espaço seguro, divertido e cheio de aprendizagens para os seus filhos...."
- Tania Pina

What is Zona K?

We believe in keeping things simple, smart, and human. Every project starts with listening and ends with something we're proud to share.
KRIATIVIDADI → We believe that creativity fuels learning and empowers children to express themselves freely.
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KUMUNIDADE → We believe that a safe, supportive and inclusive community is the foundation for every child to reach their full potential.
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KULTURA → We believe in honoring our unique Cabo Verdean culture and language while fostering respect for the richness of global perspectives, empowering our children with a strong sense of self and preparing them to be engaged and respectful global citizens.
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
1. Increased digital connection & Decreased face-to-face interactions
2. Time constraints and busy schedules
3. Rapid technology advancements
4. Critical gaps in our current educational models
Child-directed ~ Peer-to-Peer ~ Project-based Learning to promote:
#1 - Motivation & Engagement
#2 - Social & Emotional Intelligence
#3 - Communication & Collaboration
#4 - Problem-solving & Critical thinking skills

“Together, we can expand our impact and build a future with more opportunities for them, along with a strong community to support them in this uncertain future they are inheriting.”
Sara Pires (co-founder)