Minsundu vulnerable children reclaim their right to education

PARENTS in Ndola’s Minsundu area have commended the government for the free education policy which has enabled them enroll all their eligible children in schools.

Minsundu is a farming area whose local school, Minsundu primary was in 2021 reported to have half of its pupils dropping out because they could not meet the costs.

Ms Bertha Chimbala said in an interview that previously, she only managed to enroll two out of five of her children in school because she had no money.

Ms. Chimbala said as a result, her children worked as casual labourers in nearby farms to help raise fees for their siblings who were in school.

But with the introduction of the free education policy by the new dawn administration, this scenario has changed. Ms. Chimbala said the government deserves nothing, but commendation for allowing vulnerable children to reclaim their right to education.

Equally, Ms Mable Kunda, a mother of seven appreciates government for enabling her to enroll four of her older children in school although she’s not able to meet other school requirements.

Ms. Kunda said previously, it was very difficult for her and her differently-abled husband to pay school fees for the children, coupled with other education needs.

Meanwhile, management at Minsundu Primary School disclosed that they have noted a rise in the number of learners from 725 to 1, 092 after the introduction of the free education policy.

The school’s acting Head Teacher, Ms Lindiwe Kabamba said it has recorded an increase of 367 new pupils as a result.