Sat, 03 Jun 2017 12:40:14 +0000
By PRINCE CHIBAWAH
THE Eden University in Lusaka has awarded 100 percent scholarships to vulnerable students selected from the 10 provinces of Zambia to pursue degree programmes of their choice at the university.
Speaking during the awards at Taj Pamodzi hotel in Lusaka, Eden University executive director Kelvin Kaunda said the scholarships were part of the university’s corporate social responsibility.
He explained that the university would continue to implement similar programmes as it continued to expand its operations. “Eden University will continue to partner with Government in providing quality tertiary education,” said Mr Kaunda.
He also revealed that the university, which previously operated as Eden Institute, gained university status in 2016.
And speaking at the event, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Emerine Kabanshi disclosed that Government had initiated a programme aimed at reaching out to the vulnerable girls in accessing quality education.
Ms Kabanshi said the programme was targeting 14,000 girls of school-going age drawn from 16 selected districts of Zambia.
“Government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu places great importance on education, especially reaching out to the vulnerable in accessing higher and quality education,” she said. Ms Kabanshi commended Eden University for the scholarships.
“The awarding of the scholarships to the vulnerable youths of this country complements Government’s efforts in the area of increasing access to education as well agreeing with the Government’s public private partnership policy.
“Awarding scholarships is an important gesture as an educated society contributes to the social and economic development of the country,” she said.
She appealed to the institution to continue supporting vulnerable youths in the country.
Permanent secretaries from ministry of Higher Education, ministry of General Education and ministry of Health, Eden University board chairperson attended the event.
And speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Esnart Kambole thanked Eden University for the scholarships awarded to them.
“We will put in our best and we promise we will be among the best students,” said Ms Kambole from Mbala.
