LUMEZI district in Eastern Province has witnessed a surge of hope for blind and deaf children, thanks to the government’s expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Previously excluded, these 42 special needs students are now empowered to pursue education alongside their peers.
The bright shining eyes and voiceless smiles painted on their little faces was a testament to the joy and the excitement they felt after learning that they too will have access to an education.
The CDF bursaries, valued at K4.3 million, covered tuition for 356 vulnerable learners, including three attending Magwero School for the Blind and Deaf.
“The bursaries which are a component of the expanded Constituency Development Fund CDF aimed at sponsoring vulnerable learners collectively cost K4,374,350.” said Lumezi Town Council spokesperson Irvin Muyumbwa.
This initiative reflects President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to inclusive education.
Out of the k4.3million, K237,840 was utilised to brighten the academic way of 42 males and 31 females who have enrolled in schools, varying from Grade 2 to 12.
Furthermore, CDF allocated K4.1 million for skills development bursaries, benefiting 283 youths.
Youths will receive training in various fields, including agriculture, mechanics, and entrepreneurship, empowering them to become self-sufficient and contribute to the local economy.
He stated how the government aims at flooding the private sector with equipped and qualified general agriculturists who will be solutions in such times of drought, automotive and electrical engineers.
“As a component under CDF, Skills Development Bursaries are used to provide for vulnerable youths to access Skills Training Institutions, offering technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship programmes.” Muyumba explained.
“It is also aimed at driving the entrepreneurship agenda at the local level. The successful applicants will pursue courses ranging from driving, pursue food production, event management, tailoring, fashion and design, bricklaying and masonry among others.” he added.
The duration for these course vary from one month up to 36 months in various skills training centres across the country.
Coming from a place with a population of 158,971 people, Lumezi youths from 10 out of 11 wards are now equipped to pursue their dreams and contribute to their community’s prosperity.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba April 25, 2024
