Mon, 25 Sep 2017 13:19:24 +0000
By Annie Zulu
THE Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund (PEIF) has come to the rescue of more than 35 pupils in Serenje who were on the verge of missing out on their Grade 9 examination due to lack of an examination centre.
The initiative has given out K10, 000 to facilitate the transportation and welfare of the pupils from Chisomo Primary School to the nearest Kundalumwanshya Primary School, the nearest designated examination centre.
The gesture was in response to Chief Chisomo’s request to the initiative to help the children at the remote school in Serenje to sit for their examination.
PEIF patron Chanda Kabwe said the gesture represented another PEIF’s commitment to complement the government’s efforts of ensuring that every child was given an opportunity to access education regardless of their location.
Mr Kabwe, who is Central Province permanent secretary, said President Edgar Lungu did not want to leave behind some quarters s of society in his quest to deliver development to all parts of Zambia.
He said the initiative had realised that the majority of the parents of the pupils were in the informal sector which was targeted by the PEIF.
“I think you’re aware that the chief was very worried that the pupils might not write their exams because of the distance to the nearest centre and he had requested us to help,” he said.
Mr Kabwe, said he would however liaise with the Examinations Council of Zambia to ensure that an examination centre was established at the school next year for pupils to sit for their examination there.
He also noted that the newly constructed Chibale Secondary School would help to resolve most problems that the pupils were faced with especially in cutting long distances.
Meanwhile, the initiative has disbursed more than K7, 000 to Muchinga Welders Association to boost their business.
Mr Kabwe said the initiative was impressed with the performance of the association and expressed confidence that the money would help them to expand.
“This is part of the initiative that is aimed at empowering those with big plans; we are happy with what they do and we have decided to assist the association to prosper,” he said.
Mr Kabwe assured that the initiative would continue to help those in the informal sector to expand in their businesses.
