“NACOSU Commends Government”
… The group urges MPs to intensify efforts against corruption and demands accountability ensure stricter oversight.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka. Zambia24 – (13-08-2024) – National Council for Student Union (NACOSU) has lauded the Zambian government for its substantial efforts to alleviate financial challenges faced by students. This praise comes amidst ongoing improvements in student welfare, including expanded loan programs and reinstated meal stipends.
In a joint press briefing held in Lusaka, student leaders highlighted several key achievements of the government’s recent initiatives. Joseph Muteba, a senior representative of NACOSU and a student at the University of Zambia, reported that approximately 11,000 students have benefited from enhanced loan programs.
Muteba emphasized, “We welcome the reinstatement of meal allowances, which has allowed students to focus on their studies without the additional burden of daily necessities.”
He also acknowledged the increase in accommodation stipends, rising from 1,000 Kwacha to 3,900 Kwacha, a change that has been well-received by the student body.
James Muleya, Vice President of the Evelyn Hone College Student Union, commended the restructuring of student loans and grants as a vital support system.
He encouraged students to leverage opportunities within the National Youth Policy and to use funds from these programs for innovative solutions to national issues, such as power shortages.
Muleya remarked, “We must collaborate with the government to drive national development and ensure that our student movement continues to hold leaders accountable—an area he feels has been overlooked by the opposition.”
Misheke Mumba, President General of the NRDC Student Union, praised the government’s employment of over 75,000 public service workers over the past three years, a move that addresses the unemployment crisis among graduates.
He also commended the installation of solar panels at public institutions as a sustainable response to energy challenges.
Mumba asserted, “We cannot afford to graduate individuals who are ill-prepared for the job market,” calling for increased sponsorships and expanded employment opportunities for students.
Vincent Sakala, another student representative, addressed the issue of corruption, which he said continues to divert essential funds from services like healthcare.
He urged Members of Parliament to enforce laws and ensure accountability for those misappropriating public resources.
Sakala stressed, “Parliamentarians should act in the best interest of the entire nation, not just students and youth,” and called on the Drug Enforcement Commission to prosecute those involved in embezzlement.
The student leaders also supported the government’s free education policy, which has benefited nearly two million pupils and significantly increased enrollment across primary and secondary schools.
Bill Chaiwa, a student leader, highlighted that the initiative has spurred national growth, with six million students now enrolled in educational institutions.
Chaiwa further acknowledged the government’s efforts to tackle energy issues, citing investments in partnerships with Mamba Collieries and NAPSA to address load shedding.
He also noted the East African Power Interconnector, aimed at securing electricity imports and exports during climate-induced power shortages.
Chaiwa expressed gratitude for the president’s recent visit to Evelyn Hone College, which led to a donation of 10.5 million Kwacha and the drilling of a borehole to improve campus sanitation.
“These initiatives have significantly improved campus conditions and ensured access to clean water,” Chaiwa said, affirming the student movement’s commitment to advocating for transparency and recognizing government progress.