Zambia’s classrooms are buzzing with activity thanks to a surge in enrollment after the free education policy took effect.
This influx of students, however, created a pressing need for more desks.
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) stepped up to meet this challenge, acting as a resourceful hero.
Education Minister Douglas Syakalima said in an interview that through the strategic allocation of funds, the CDF enabled the production of an impressive 30,689 desks in just the first quarter of 2024.
“CDF is working even in technical schools, for example Kitwe Boys is producing massive school desks and are trying to help the Copperbelt University to build banker beds” said
Syakalima expressed happiness that production of desks is being done by various institutions such as the Correction facilities, Trade Schools and individual schools including those being financed by the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
“In Mufulira for instance, before the free education policy, there were about 40,000 pupils. This number doubled after the introduction of the policy” Syakalima explained.
“When I recently visited the district I found about 87,000 pupils meaning I now have 7,000 more pupils to deal with.”
He further emphasized the need for local production stressing that Zambia has the potential to produce its own desks and provide a conducive learning environment for all pupils.
“Why should we start importing desks when we can produce our own?” he questioned, “Let us continue producing our own here” he said.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba 28 May, 2024
