AFTER years of tossing and turning on worn-out foam and frayed springs, learners at Mwense Secondary School can finally sleep soundly, thanks to the delivery of 600 brand new mattresses funded under the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Secondary School Bursary Component.
The mattresses, worth K480,000, were officially handed over during a ceremony held at the school on Saturday, 19th July 2025.
This initiative is part of government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and learner welfare in rural schools.
Mwense district commissioner Happystone Mwape, who presided over the handover, said the move reflected government’s continued commitment to uplifting education standards, especially in rural communities.
“For years, our boarding schools have operated under difficult conditions, with learners enduring uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe sleeping arrangements,” Mwape said.
“Today’s donation is more than just a set of mattresses, it is a message of hope and progress.”
He praised President Hakainde Hichilema and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for ensuring the CDF responds to tangible needs in communities.
Mwape added that the investment would significantly improve the academic performance of pupils by enabling them to rest adequately and focus better in class.
“This intervention not only meets a critical need for improved boarding facilities but also directly enhances the well being and academic performance of our learners,” he said.
Mwense Secondary School, which accommodates hundreds of pupils in its boarding section, has long grappled with limited resources.
The donation is expected to reduce congestion and ease the burden on pupils who previously had to share worn out or inadequate bedding.
The mattress delivery is one of several education-related projects being rolled out under the 2025 CDF, as government continues to channel more resources to local level development and equal access to quality education.
Parents, teachers, and students who attended the event welcomed the development with joy, describing it as a game changer for the school’s learning environment.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, July 24, 2025
