Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg has hailed the impact of the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) program that is supporting the education of the girl child.
The ambassador said the program which his country is also supporting, has helped to create opportunities for the girl child to acquire education.
He said the program has provided a platform for girls to have equal opportunities in life.
He has further emphasized the need for girls to attain education, stating that education is an equalizer in life and the key to the future.
Mr. Hallenborg said this when he officiated at a function at Chiba Secondary School in Kasama District, where he went to interact with beneficiaries of the KGS program.
He has since encouraged boys and men to be role models for girls.
He said that by supporting girls and women, it will help develop society.
“This is also about developing society, not just in Zambia but in Sweden as well as the world at large. We will not be able to develop our society if we leave 50% of the population outside. We need to work together,” he said.
And Northern Province Education Officer, Mr. Mulambwa Nawa said the province has significantly benefited from the KGS program.
He revealed that there are currently 8,186 KGS beneficiaries in secondary schools and 116 beneficiaries at tertiary levels, bringing the total to 8,302.
He emphasized that the provincial education office is committed to ensuring the KGS programs achieve their intended results.
“We shall continue strengthening our collaboration with all our key stakeholders in carrying out KGS activities effectively,” he said.
Mr. Nawa added that KGS activities are being implemented in eight districts of the province, namely Chilubi, Kasama, Luwingu, Lupososhi, Mpulungu, Mungwi, Nsama, and Kaputa.
And District Education Board Secretary Mr. James Chibuye reported that Kasama has also benefited from the KGS Initiative, with a total of 436 beneficiaries in 42 KGS schools.
He said currently, KGS beneficiaries are hosted in 54 schools, with 1,108 beneficiaries, representing a 60.6% increase in enrollment since the program’s inception.
He highlighted that this increase demonstrates the program’s success in enabling more vulnerable girls to access secondary education.
He also mentioned that the project focuses on providing a conducive learning environment.
He said, in collaboration with other stakeholders, the project trained 40 teachers from 20 selected schools in May last year.
“These teachers formed clubs in schools to equip learners with skills to fight GBV. The importance of safe clubs in schools cannot be overemphasized,” he said.
Naomy Nambela a pupil from Chiba Day Secondary School, expressed gratitude to the KGS program for positively impacting many girls’ lives in their communities.
She explained that many girls who almost gave up on education have been brought back to school.
“Because of KGS, there is equality and opportunity among the girls,” she said.
By Gladys Nyirenda,
ZANIS.
