It was a moment filled with emotion, reflection, and inspiration as President Hakainde Hichilema paid a special visit to his former school, Kalomo Secondary, located in the heart of Southern Province. Returning as the Head of State decades after completing his education there, the visit was both a homecoming and a reaffirmation of the crucial role education plays in shaping lives.
President Hichilema, who studied at Kalomo Secondary from 1976 to 1980, was a proud member of Red Hostel and a graduate of the Form 5A Class. Speaking to an attentive audience of pupils and teachers, he expressed deep gratitude and admiration for the institution that helped shape his early academic journey.
“We will always cherish this school and hold it dear to our hearts,” President Hichilema said, his voice filled with warmth and nostalgia.
The occasion was not only celebratory but also motivational. President Hichilema used the opportunity to underscore his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising education in Zambia. He reminded the pupils that education is a cornerstone of progress and a powerful tool that can transform lives and communities.
“Education is everything to us,” he emphasized.
In his address, President Hichilema encouraged students to maintain discipline and cultivate a strong work ethic. He urged them to focus on their studies and strive for excellence in all their academic pursuits. Recognising the changing landscape of the modern world, he also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, encouraging pupils to think beyond traditional employment and aspire to become job creators.
“Develop the mindset of entrepreneurship so that you can become employers in the future,” he advised.
The visit also served as a reminder of the importance of giving back. President Hichilema pledged continued support for Kalomo Secondary and called on other alumni to contribute towards the school’s development.
“Together with others who passed through Kalomo Secondary, we will continue supporting it in every way possible,” he affirmed.
The visit was a symbolic gesture of the transformative power of education and a reminder that no matter how far one rises, the roots of success often lie in the classrooms and corridors of their youth.
President Hichilema’s return to Kalomo Secondary was not just a walk down memory lane—it was a call to action for current and future generations to pursue education with passion, purpose, and pride.