The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has facilitated the return to school of a Grade 10 pupil, Mable
Chishimba, in Mporokoso District of Northern Province, demonstrating Government’s commitment to promoting access to education and improving the welfare of vulnerable children.
Mable, who is a beneficiary of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme under the Child-Headed Household category, had dropped out of school due to financial challenges despite her determination to continue with her education.
Her situation came to light during the ongoing Social Cash Transfer scale-up monitoring exercise being conducted by the Ministry’s Ministerial Delivery Unit (MDU). Upon learning of her circumstances, the MDU immediately engaged the Headmistress of Chanda Mali Secondary School, Mrs. Angela Mulenga, to facilitate her immediate reintegration into the education system.
Speaking after being readmitted to school, Mable expressed gratitude to the Government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for including her household in the recent SCT scale-up and for supporting her return to school.
She said the intervention had restored her hope and given her an opportunity to pursue her dreams while helping secure a better future for herself and her siblings.
“I am grateful to the Government for supporting me through the Social Cash Transfer Programme and for helping me return to school. I am ready to work hard and build a brighter future for myself and my family,” she said.
Mable also encouraged other girls facing similar challenges to take advantage of Government empowerment programmes such as the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) Project, which continue to create opportunities for vulnerable girls and women across the country.
Meanwhile, Chanda Mali Secondary School Headmistress Mrs. Angela Mulenga commended the Ministry for its continued efforts to empower vulnerable households and improve livelihoods in rural communities through social protection programmes.
Mrs. Mulenga, who confirmed to the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit, that Mable has since reported for classes, pledged the school’s commitment to closely monitor her academic progress and provide the necessary support to ensure she succeeds in her studies.
She noted that Government interventions such as the Social Cash Transfer Programme are transforming lives and helping vulnerable learners remain in school, thereby contributing to the country’s broader development agenda.
GEWEL 2 Zambia Ministry of Education- Zambia
