Zambia at 50: How will the Vulnerable people access Tertiary Education?
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Dear Editor,
Taking one’s own life for whatever reason is unjustified. However, the Heroine, Munsaka Makwamba’s case is different. Fifty years after independence, it is disappointing that most of our vulnerable and exceptionally intelligent school leavers can not access student loans, bursaries and scholarships to access tertiary education.
To start with, if the government knew that it would be unable to sponsor most of the students, they would have done the selection and publication processes of the few who would be helped. On the contrary, the list of students awarded Student loans was oly availed to the public on Monday, 29 September. This was the day after freshmen students started reporting at the country’s number one learning institution. How do we expect our youths to find alternative sponsorship at gunpoint. Some do nto even have a place to look to for alternative sponsorship. Because of this, the government must carry the bag of paying for all students who applied for the loans.
Furthermore, a major hinderance to the development of our nation is the tendancy of many wanting those who come after them to endure similar situations like they endured especially constraining or hardship events. When I wrote an article on the hardships the freshmen students were facing before reporting, others thought I was part of those affected when I was only concerned. People often say ‘ we passed through that so get used to it’ even when they can do something about the challenge at hand. This is shameful and disgusting. If there is something that can be done to curb certain scourges, let it be done instead of just saying get used and it will eventually pass.
Changes on the due dates of applying at the University of Zambia early this year allowed even 2013 school leavers to apply at the institution and a handful were picked. However, they were told that they would only be eligible for the loans the next academic year. When I was in the country two days ago, I took time to interact with some of the 2013 school leavers. They clearly stated that when they were applying, no one told them that they would not be awarded loans and hence would be on self sponsorship. After wasting so much money on travelling and other expenses like medical examination fees and purchasing the Student loans application form, should they just withdaw and go back to their villages? This is totally unacceptable. I would say give them a chance at the Student loans and who knows, this could be one of the solutions to poor performances in institutions of higher learning resulting from over- staying in the compounds for a year and some months before going to school. Sometimes, we need to break certaain traditions if we are to progres as induviduals and nations. I eqaully had to wait for a year and nine months before I was admitted to the Univesity of Zambia and given a bursary but times are changing and we need to adapt or we will continue to perish.
I challenge the honourable minister of education to sponsor most of the students admitted to the University of Zambia and are vulnerable.Of course the first priority should be 2011 and 2012 school leavers. Awarding of these scholarships should be done in the most fair and transparent manner. He should ensure tht the list is out his week as he clearly stated in parliament as a lot of people are looking up to him and the Zambian Government.
CONCERNED ACADEMICIAN IN THE DIASPORA
Zambia at 50: How will the Vulnerable people access Tertiary Education?
Dear Editor,
Taking one’s own life for whatever reason is unjustified. However, the Heroine, Munsaka Makwamba’s case is different. Fifty years after independence, it is disappointing that most of our vulnerable and exceptionally intelligent school leavers can not access student loans, bursaries and scholarships to access tertiary education.
To start with, if the government knew that it would be unable to sponsor most of the students, they would have done the selection and publication processes of the few who would be helped. On the contrary, the list of students awarded Student loans was oly availed to the public on Monday, 29 September. This was the day after freshmen students started reporting at the country’s number one learning institution. How do we expect our youths to find alternative sponsorship at gunpoint. Some do nto even have a place to look to for alternative sponsorship. Because of this, the government must carry the bag of paying for all students who applied for the loans.
Furthermore, a major hinderance to the development of our nation is the tendancy of many wanting those who come after them to endure similar situations like they endured especially constraining or hardship events. When I wrote an article on the hardships the freshmen students were facing before reporting, others thought I was part of those affected when I was only concerned. People often say ‘ we passed through that so get used to it’ even when they can do something about the challenge at hand. This is shameful and disgusting. If there is something that can be done to curb certain scourges, let it be done instead of just saying get used and it will eventually pass.
Changes on the due dates of applying at the University of Zambia early this year allowed even 2013 school leavers to apply at the institution and a handful were picked. However, they were told that they would only be eligible for the loans the next academic year. When I was in the country two days ago, I took time to interact with some of the 2013 school leavers. They clearly stated that when they were applying, no one told them that they would not be awarded loans and hence would be on self sponsorship. After wasting so much money on travelling and other expenses like medical examination fees and purchasing the Student loans application form, should they just withdaw and go back to their villages? This is totally unacceptable. I would say give them a chance at the Student loans and who knows, this could be one of the solutions to poor performances in institutions of higher learning resulting from over- staying in the compounds for a year and some months before going to school. Sometimes, we need to break certaain traditions if we are to progres as induviduals and nations. I eqaully had to wait for a year and nine months before I was admitted to the Univesity of Zambia and given a bursary but times are changing and we need to adapt or we will continue to perish.
I challenge the honourable minister of education to sponsor most of the students admitted to the University of Zambia and are vulnerable.Of course the first priority should be 2011 and 2012 school leavers. Awarding of these scholarships should be done in the most fair and transparent manner. He should ensure tht the list is out his week as he clearly stated in parliament as a lot of people are looking up to him and the Zambian Government.
CONCERNED ACADEMICIAN IN THE DIASPORA
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