Education Gives Back
Education continues to give back to the communities in the Lukulu and Mitete districts in Zambia’s Western Province.
Since 2010, young people in these districts have been supported by MWIA to complete a three-year diploma in primary education at the Mongu College of Education, a college associated with the University of Zambia. The diploma earned is highly regarded throughout the country. Once qualified, the graduates are motivated to use their skills and knowledge in the communities they grew up in by filling volunteer teaching positions in rural village schools of the Western Province.
Zambia continues to strive towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
After a two-year hiatus in employing government teachers, the 2021-elected government pledged to increase the number of teachers across Zambia and enhance teacher-student ratios, particularly in regions with significant teacher shortages, including the Lukulu and Mitete districts. The government is fulfilling its promise and has employed every qualified teacher that applied to receive a government position in the Lukulu and Mitete districts – 361 applicants to the Lukulu district and 411 applicants to the Mitete district.
It is good news not only for students of all ages and graduates of the Mongu College of Education butalso for schools that desperately need more qualified teachers. Increased teaching appointments and improved teacher-student ratios will ultimately enhance the quality of education throughout Zambia.
Five MWIA-supported graduates who are currently employed at government schools have continued their studies to complete a degree, enabling them to teach at a secondary school level. Another five have submitted applications for government teaching roles and were awarded positions. Three were appointed to schools in the Lukulu district, and two were assigned to schools in the Mitete district, giving much hope to teachers, students and communities alike.
Since the program began, 28 students have benefited from the support of MWIA.
Author: Kaithlyn McNab, Administration Officer, MWIA
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