PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has assured students of an improved education system following the debt relief, promising more schools, hospitals, and comprehensive social safety measures.
President Hichilema emphasised the importance of education for Zambia’s future and urged students who paid him a visit at Community House yesterday to be vigilant against political agendas that may jeopardize their learning.
A chorus of youthful voices, vibrant with hope and determination, resonated through the serene yard of President Hichilema’s house yesterday.
It was a gathering not of protest or dissent, but of heartfelt appreciation, as students from diverse corridors of higher learning poured forth to express their profound thanks for the attainment of the debt restructuring deal.
President Hichilema stood amidst the audience, his eyes alight with warmth as he welcomed the spirited assembly.
He expressed delight to the students’ surprise visit and stated that the debt wouldn’t have been restructured had it not been for the students’ support and patience.
The Head of State assured the students that with the debt relief, a comprehensive and enhanced education package will continue to exist and other social safety measures.
He said students and the youths at large had put him in office to serve them and fix many things for the betterment of the nation, which he stated his Government was doing.
“With this debt relief, more schools and hospitals will be built and adequately staffed,” president Hichilema said revealing that with the debt deal, Zambia would be paying US$75 million per year towards the country’s debt servicing instead of $780 million per year.
The president also advised the students not to fall prey to politicians who would later strip off their education.
University of Zambia Student Union (UNZASU) minister of Finance Joseph Muteba stated that this year was a miraculous year with the attainment of the debt restructuring deal.
“We had an increment of meal allowances, increment of accommodation allowances from K1000 to K3,900,” revealed.
“We are here to appreciate the president about a great milestone, an achievement we thought wasn’t possible.”
Meanwhile, Evelyn Hone College Students Union president Bill chaiwa thanked the Head of State for the debt restructuring and the revitalisation of Mopani Copper mines on the Copperbelt.
Chaiwa stated that President Hichilema exemplified the heart of a present father.
“With the debt restructuring deal, we expect numbers of pupils attending free education to increase,” noted Chaiwa.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, March 29, 2024
