The First Lady’s Office has made a heartfelt donation to Bundabunda Primary School in Musebo village, Chongwe District. Among the donated items is a wheelchair for Grace Kaluwani, a 15-year-old grade 6 pupil who has struggled to get to school using a wooden tricycle.
The donation followed an appeal from Emmanuel Mubita, a concerned citizen from the same area, who reached out to the First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema, requesting assistance for Grace.
Generous Contributions
In collaboration with the Merck Foundation, the First Lady’s Office also donated 6,000 exercise books, various stationery, 1,700 school bags, and 3,334 storybooks to Bundabunda Primary School. Shelly Tayali, Technical Advisor to the First Lady, represented Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema during the donation ceremony. Ms. Tayali emphasized the importance of education and urged parents to take advantage of the free education policy implemented by the government.
“We believe education is a great equalizer and no one must be left behind,” Ms. Tayali stated. She also called on the community to collaborate with the First Lady’s Office to combat child marriages and encouraged the school staff to dedicate a day each term to advocacy against child marriages.
Community Appreciation
Chongwe District Education Board Secretary, Joseph Chanda, expressed gratitude to the First Lady’s Office for the generous donation. He assured that the materials would significantly improve learner performance and would be used appropriately.
Grace Kaluwani, who received the new wheelchair, thanked Mrs. Hichilema for the assistance, highlighting how challenging it had been to get to school with her old tricycle. “I would like to thank the First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema, for helping me with a wheelchair which I really needed because it was very difficult for me to move to school using my old tricycle,” Grace said.
Conclusion
The First Lady’s Office, with the support of the Merck Foundation, continues to make a significant impact on the lives of students in Zambia. This donation to Bundabunda Primary School not only provides essential school supplies but also supports the educational journey of pupils like Grace Kaluwani, reinforcing the commitment to equal education opportunities for all.
