Over 50, 000 students will have benefited from the equity group foundation scholarship as the 8-4-4 education system comes to an end this year.
After this year’s examination results the Foundation anticipate to select 9, 000 scholars.
At the moment 37, 574 scholars have benefited since the equity foundation education scholarships initiative was initiated in 2, 000 secondary schools in the country.
Beth Kitoo a representative from the ministry of education said the partnership between equity bank, World Bank and other partners has seen the number continue to grow.
34,574 students have been administered through the equity group foundation.
“We will have 52, 000 scholars who will have benefited from sponsorship from equity and the government, this includes even learners who will sit for their exam this year.
We are optimistic the end of this year we will be putting another 9000 adding to 52000” said Ms. Kitoo.
The equity group foundation was appointed by the government to support the ministry to implement this program because of its experience in running its successful Wings to Fly.
“The government is coming to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, do not be afraid that your sponsorship will be withdrawn, the advantageous part of it is that your records are with the government so your needs are known,” she added.
She said the Secondary Quality Improvement Project (SEQUIP) will be supported by the government 100%.
“Don’t give excuses, your education will be fully funded even in the university through the new funding model having a 100% transition to tertiary education,” she added.
She asked the scholars to remain disciplined and urged the girls to take good care of themselves and not to engage in unprotected that can lead to pregnancies and derail their education.
“We are advising girls to take good care of themselves and not to engage in irresponsible sexual behavior.
We do not want to lose any girl, those who accidentally found themselves in a mess along the way and dropped off, we want to ensure they complete school and their support isn’t withdrawn.” She stated
“For the boys, we also have a lot of hope in you, we have so much going around from drug abuse to gender-based violence, make sure you don’t engage in such while in school, report to the gender champion, counseling and a log for complain if you are not assisted report to the education officers because when we get complaints they are addressed.
She also requested for refugee learners to be supported.
The chief guest in the 13th annual Education and leadership Congress was Zambia’s equity group representative who encouraged the scholars to take their education seriously as the bank is going global with many job opportunities.
Caroline Wangechi
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