34 students from two Community Development Staff Training Colleges under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services have graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Community Development and Social Welfare from the University of Zambia.

The graduating class comprised 18 students from Monze Community Development Staff Training College and 16 from Kitwe College.

This achievement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and UNZA’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2019, with the degree program officially commencing in December 2020.

Speaking at the event, Chief Community Development Officer in charge of Training, Mr. Aaron Phiri, hailed the graduation as a historic moment for the two colleges and the Ministry at large.

“This program has put both Monze and Kitwe colleges on the academic map. We are extremely proud of this first batch of graduates whose skills have been sharpened and are now ready to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mr. Phiri said.

Monze College Principal Mr. Willie Ngambela and his Kitwe counterpart Mr. Charles Mumba expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the degree program has opened a new chapter for professional advancement within the Ministry.

They emphasized that the degree is offered on a highly manageable scholarship, making it accessible for more officers wishing to upgrade their qualifications.

The graduates have thanked government through the Ministry for opening doors of opportunities for them through skills development and described the graduation as empowering.