GOVERNMENT has called on stakeholders in Central Province to actively participate in the proposed amendment of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Act of 2016 to advance Zambia’s higher education landscape.
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Administration Noriana Muneku says the Act, which governs the operations of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), needs to be amended.
Ms Muneku was speaking in a speech read for her by Ministry of Education Assistant Director, Brian Makufele during the Provincial Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting that was organised by the HELSB in Kabwe.
“These proposed amendments are transformative steps towards creating a bigger education financing system that is equitable, sustainable, and aligned with Zambia’s development aspirations,” Ms Muneku said.
Ms Muneku said the amendment of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Act will transform the country’s higher education landscape and ensure accessible, equitable and sustainable financial support for all eligible students.
She said learners, parents, government officials, education administrators and the civil society are vital stakeholders in providing valuable insights and lived experiences that help identify operational gaps and areas of improvement.
Ms Muneku stated that the bill seeks to strengthen the mandate and operations of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board.
“The Cabinet Memorandum proposes expanding the definition of “student” to include learners from Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institutions as well as providing access to refugees through endowment funds,” Ms Muneku said.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe said sustainable financial support for all eligible students is critical to national development.
“The Board should ensure equitable access to student loans so that eligible children from vulnerable families can fully benefit,” Dr. Mwanakampwe said.
Provincial Education Officer Mambe Hamududu has described the proposed amendments of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Act as progressive.
“The Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board plays a critical role in ensuring that students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and places as ours, have access to financial support necessary to pursue their academic dreams,” Ms Hamududu said.
The bill seeks to, among other things, extend the existence of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships as well as provide for the granting, administration, investment, payment and recovery of Loans.
