THE once elusive dream of education is now within reach for many girls in Lumezi as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursary scheme continues to pay fees for vulnerable pupils in boarding schools.
While the tuition is being shouldered by Government’s free education policy, other requirements such as accommodation for vulnerable pupils can be a pinch, therefore, the bursary acts as a cushion for these young learners.
According to Lumezi Town Council assistant spokesperson Irvin Muyumbwa, since government expanded the fund in 2022, stories of hope and transformation have been emerging from classrooms, as the bursary programme eases the burden on struggling families and allows girls to focus on their studies.
One such story is that of 16-year-old Malumbo Chiponda, a Grade 10 pupil at St. Monica’s Girls Secondary School in Chipata.
With ambitions of becoming a lawyer, Malumbo said she can now concentrate fully on her schoolwork without worrying about unpaid fees.
She first learnt about the bursary through word of mouth and billboards and counts herself among the lucky ones.
“Other people wanted the opportunity but they chose me, so I am grateful for that,” she said.
Another story is that of Getrude Theo, now in Grade 11 at St. Margaret’s Girls Secondary School.
Raised by a mother who sells fritters at the local market, Getrude once thought boarding school was an impossible dream.
But since receiving CDF support in 2022, she has settled into school life and is pursuing her ambition of becoming a doctor.
The bursary programme has not only reduced financial barriers for girls in Lumezi but also empowered them to pursue careers that were once beyond reach.
By George Musonda
Kalemba September 10, 2025
