NORTH-WESTERN Province Permanent Secretary Grandson Katambi has called on the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) to prioritise the marginalised people in society.

Col. Katambi (Rtd) says there are people in villages that have disabilities and are marginalised. 

He mentioned that inclusivity, sustainability, efficiency and accountability needs to be embraced for all to benefit regardless of status.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this during the HELSB Act Number 31 of 2016 Stakeholder’s Consultation Meeting held in Solwezi. 

“It is our duty to include them and give them a forum they can use to communicate. Let us not retreat from them but meet them halfway and recruit them as we speak for the voiceless whilst we keep ourselves righteous,” he said.

Col Katambi (Rtd) said education remains to be the cornerstone of revolution adding that there is need to think of how best to improve the province.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary thanked HELSB stakeholders, scholarship board for undertaking their mandate under the current legislation.

“I trust the bill will strengthen and broaden its mandate to have more revenue for its operations and the whole purpose of providing loans and scholarships to our young people taken into universities every year for financial support,” he said.

Col. Katambi (Rtd) notes that the outcome of this consultation will serve as a foundation for national level engagements and eventful enactment of the layman’s bill.

“I urge you that as we begin this important work let us be guided by a shared vision of providing all Zambians with equal opportunities regardless of their social economic status,” he said.

Col. Katambi (Rtd) further appealed that before the kick start, put Northern Province first so that the province starts benefiting from all the interactions.