Kalwala Secondary School in Chinsali is experiencing a significant turnaround in classroom and desk shortages, thanks to timely interventions funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The school, which had struggled to accommodate a growing number of students following the implementation of the free education policy, is now seeing tangible progress in its learning environment.
Speaking during a recent visit to the school, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo highlighted the importance of CDF in addressing community needs. He toured both the school and a thriving local farming cooperative, underscoring how grassroots initiatives are transforming lives across the district.
Chinsali District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Officer Katele Kalele explained that the introduction of free education by the New Dawn government led to an influx of 5,500 pupils who had previously dropped out. The overwhelming increase created immediate demands for more infrastructure and learning materials.
“As a result of more pupils coming into school when the New Dawn government introduced free education, we received 5,500 more pupils who were at home and came back to school,” Kalele said.
In response, Kalwala Secondary School received CDF support, which has so far enabled the construction of additional classroom blocks and procurement of new desks. These improvements have significantly eased overcrowding and are contributing to a more conducive learning atmosphere for students.
During the same visit, Minister Sialubalo also inspected a local cooperative that received a K20,000 CDF grant. The group has successfully transformed the funding into a flourishing banana and vegetable farm. The initiative not only provides employment to locals but also contributes to food security and economic empowerment in the community.
The minister commended the cooperative’s innovation and effective use of public funds, calling it a model for sustainable rural development. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the CDF continues to support both education and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
The developments at Kalwala Secondary School and the cooperative farm highlight the positive ripple effects of CDF-backed projects. As more communities embrace such initiatives, Chinsali is fast becoming a blueprint for how targeted government funding can unlock progress in rural Zambia.