The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that children in rural areas have the same educational opportunities as their counterparts in urban centers. This was highlighted by Mwandi Constituency Member of Parliament, Sibeso Kakoma, during the handover of a newly constructed classroom block at Loanja Primary School in Mwandi District.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Kakoma emphasized that the government wants to create a level playing field in education to allow all children to compete favorably. She noted that the newly constructed one-by-three classroom block, funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), will significantly improve the quality of education for learners at the school.
“The only thing that has brought me where I am today is education; therefore, I understand its value,” Ms. Kakoma said.
She also expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing the CDF from K1.6 million to K36.1 million, which has facilitated development projects such as classroom construction in rural areas.
Improved Learning Conditions
The new classroom block has been furnished with desks, eliminating the previous challenge of pupils sitting on the floor during lessons. Mwandi District Education Board Secretary, Bwalya Chishimba, praised the initiative, stating that the government is working to ensure all learners have proper learning environments.
“No pupil should sit on the floor, and increasing learning spaces with enough desks is a priority,” Mr. Chishimba said.
He also urged parents to prioritize education for their children and refrain from early marriages, stressing that investing in education has far greater long-term benefits than the short-term gains from dowry payments.
“When you educate a girl child, you educate a nation. The cows you will get when you marry off your daughter cannot compare to the benefits of an educated and working girl child,” he advised.
Pupils Express Gratitude
Alice Mubiana, a pupil at Loanja Primary School, expressed her gratitude to the government, stating that the new facilities have transformed their learning experience.
“We used to learn under the trees, but now we have proper classrooms, which will help us focus on our studies,” she said.
The government continues to call on communities to support education initiatives, ensuring that children—regardless of their location—have access to quality education and the opportunity to build a better future.