• Resources are part of 20% allocated towards Secondary Boarding Schools and Skills Development Bursary Scheme from CDF.
• The bursary component that is targeted at beneficiaries who are pursuing tertiary education.
• This will ensure job creation and socio-economic transformation
Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released K198 million towards the First term Secondary Boarding Schools and Skills Development Bursary Scheme.
In a statement, Minister in Charge Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane revealed that the resources are part of the 20% allocated towards the Secondary Boarding Schools and Skills Development Bursary Scheme from the 2022 Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Dr. Musokotwane said it is government’s resolve that savings arising from its policy to restructure expenditures through the elimination of subsidies, such as fuel, should steadily benefit all citizens.
He explained that the bursary component that is targeted at beneficiaries who are pursuing tertiary education will enable youths from each and every constituency to gain skills that are required in national building and be able to manufacture school furniture and undertake plumbing and electrical works among others.
“Therefore, using the enhanced allocations of the CDF from K1.6 million to K25.7 million per year for each Constituency, the bursaries for skills training will also empower youths to undertake development works in their areas either as contractors or employees. “
“It is our hope that bursary administrators will fully embrace these guidelines so that together we can achieve the objectives of the Secondary Boarding Schools and Skills Development Bursary Scheme. Failure to comply with established financial regulations in the management of the scheme will not be tolerated,” Dr. Musokotwane said.
He expressed optimism that once the economic reform measures are fully implemented, significant benefits will accrue to Zambians through increased financing of social protection mechanisms, further alleviating the suffering of poor and vulnerable households.
“We do recognize the critical role that education plays in human capital formation and in economic growth over the long term. This is why we are happy to redirect resources to investing in young people through education.”
“This will ensure job creation and socio-economic transformation and provide equitable and quality education for all. As Government, we will endeavor to promote policies that will address the core barriers to access education and ensure that all the vulnerable learners can easily access education,” he stated.
According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the selection of beneficiaries shall be conducted at community level through Ward Development Committees.