By Niza Kamanga
As part of the government empowerment and livelihood enhancement initiative, with support of the World Bank. The Keeping Girls in School (KGS) program is a government initiative that provides bursaries to vulnerable secondary school girls from social cash transfer households. The program aims to increase access to secondary education for disadvantaged adolescent girls aged 14-21.
The council chairperson Chimwemwe Banda highlighted that educating girls can lead to better job prospects, reduced poverty, informed health decisions and breaking the cycle of poverty, while also reducing school dropout rates caused by early marriage and pregnancy.
Chasefu District Commissioner Jimmy Phiri who officiated the launch, stated that the event aimed to share effective strategies for enhancing academic excellence and unlocking potential, with a particular focus on empowering girls through education in the district.
Senior Education Standards Officer Evelyn Mwale, representing the Provincial Education Officer (PEO). welcomed the initiative, stating it would significantly help learners, particularly girls, to remain in school.
