My name is Grace Lungu from Chilwa Village in Petauke District, Eastern Province, I am 17-years old and in Grade 11 at Mizyu Day Secondary School. I have big ambitions of becoming a journalist in the future.

With Government’s support through the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) program, I am confident that I will complete my secondary education and start achieving my dreams as an educated and confident young woman.

Like many other girls living in rural Zambia, my parents could not could afford to provide school requisites such as uniforms, bags, books, shoes and food, including sanitary pads, which made me miss classes many times times.

I was so excited to have been selected for the KGS Program in 2023 for the rest of my time in school, it felt like a heavy load has been lifted off my parents’ shoulders who were struggling to support me and my other three siblings. I am now able to buy everything I need for school with the money I receive from the program.

I am grateful to Government for helping me realize my potential. I imagine a brighter future and I see myself as a world known journalist one day.

KGS (Education Grant) is a cash plus initiative under the Girls Education and Women Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) Project that supports vulnerable households to manage to keep the girls in School.

The program is currently being implemented by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and Ministry of Education in 65 Districts across the 10 provinces of Zambia.