GOVERNMENT has assured Kanyama’s Twashuka Primary School that it will soon receive the much-needed delivery of desks to address the pressing issue of pupils sitting on the floor.
This morning, the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) made a surprise visit to the school to assess the situation and ensure steps are being taken to resolve the desk shortage.
PDU delivery manager for enhanced public services Alfred Sakwiya revealed that President Hakainde Hichilema has prioritised eliminating all instances of children sitting on the floor during class.
“We have come to follow up on what is happening on one of the key presidential deliverables. We are committed to closing the gap in desk availability for students,” said Sakwiya.
“President Hakainde Hichilema has made it a priority to ensure every child has a desk to sit on. We are working diligently to address this issue and provide a conducive learning environment.”
Despite the current desk deficit, Twashuka Primary School has managed to ensure that at least one classroom is fully equipped with desks.
In addition to addressing the desk shortage, the PDU is also focusing on improving water and sanitation facilities within the school as they commited to expedite the completion of classrooms under construction for upper secondary students.
Twashuka Primary School Head Teacher, Nosiku Mukelebai expressed gratitude for the timely intervention by the Presidential Unit.
She highlighted that the school, despite being one of the most populated in the country, has made significant efforts to ensure that no child is denied a learning space.
The school has already received some desks through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and support from the Zambia Police.
With 6,575 pupils and 23 classrooms, the teacher-pupil ratio at Twashuka Primary stands at 1 to 100, making the need for more resources evident.
However, Government’s active intervention promises a positive change, bringing the much-needed relief to students and teachers alike.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 12, 2024
