A traditional leader in Chipili District of Luapula Province has commended the government for introducing free education and skills development sponsorships under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Headman Mung’anga has however noted with concern that his subjects are not taking advantage of the Free Education Policy and skills training under CDF to have their children educated and empowered with skills.

Speaking during a community meeting, Headman Mung’anga stressed that education was fundamental to the enhancement of personal and community development.

ZANIS reports that the traditional leader challenged his subjects to no longer use lack of schools, desks and money as an excuse for not sending their children to school.

He stressed that the government has addressed most of the impediments to accessing education.

“There’s now free education and skills training, you won’t have any excuse now for not going to school, for not getting a skill,” Headman Mung’anga said.

Chipili Town Council Secretary, Alex Zulu has called on the community to continue applying to access school bursaries and skills training sponsorship under the CDF. 

Mr Zulu explained that the local authority through the expanded CDF is geared to sponsor young people in the district to acquire various trade and vocational skills to better their livelihoods.

“We urge all eligible students and their families to take advantage of this opportunity. Education is key to unlocking the potential of our youth and we’re committed to supporting them every step of the way,” Mr Zulu said.