Shangombo calls for education focus

Shangombo District in Western Province hosted the Keep Girls in School, KGS, symposium at Shangombo Secondary School. Officiating the event, Shangombo District Commissioner Mubita Siyamana urged pupils to prioritize education. Mr Siyamana said it was time for the district to raise its education standards and compete with other districts across the country.

He noted that with teamwork and hard work, Shangombo can record improved academic results. “We have what it takes in Shangombo. The teachers in urban areas producing top pupils went through the same training as the teachers we have here in Shangombo,” Mr Siyamana said.

The District Commissioner further appealed to parents to support the government’s free education policy, now enshrined in the Constitution. “Free education is now law. As parents, let us back this vision because the President understands that the future of this nation lies in the young generation we have today,” he appealed.Speaking on behalf of the District Education Board Secretary, District Education Standards Officer Sitali Litunga thanked the government for extending the KGS program to Shangombo.Mr Litunga said prior to the rollout, the district experienced high dropout rates among girls, but that has since improved.“We had many dropouts.

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Since KGS came to Shangombo, a large number of girls have returned to school,” Mr Litunga said.He added that the program has given girl pupils access to education in a safe and supportive environment.Meanwhile, Young Women Christian Association, YWCA, Shangombo District Representative Esther Simasiku urged learners to report cases of Gender-Based Violence to the organization.Ms Simasiku said YWCA plays a key role in safeguarding the welfare of the girl child.“If you have issues affecting your education that you need to report, come and see us. We will ensure your safety,” Ms Simasiku said.In a vote of thanks, Shangombo Secondary School pupil Rotilda Makayi said life was difficult before she was enrolled on the KGS program.Ms Makayi thanked government for the initiative, saying it has helped many girls in the district return to and remain in school.“Thank you for believing in me and my fellow KGS members,” Ms Makayi said. As parents, let us back this vision because the President understands that the future of this nation lies in the young generation we have today,” he appealed.

Speaking on behalf of the District Education Board Secretary, District Education Standards Officer Sitali Litunga thanked the government for extending the KGS program to Shangombo.Mr Litunga said prior to the rollout, the district experienced high dropout rates among girls, but that has since improved.“We had many dropouts. Speaking on behalf of the District Education Board Secretary, District Education Standards Officer Sitali Litunga thanked the government for extending the KGS program to Shangombo. Mr Litunga said prior to the rollout, the district experienced high dropout rates among girls, but that has since improved.“We had many dropouts.

Mr Litunga said prior to the rollout, the district experienced high dropout rates among girls, but that has since improved. “We had many dropouts. Since KGS came to Shangombo, a large number of girls have returned to school,” Mr Litunga said.

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