The European Union has announced a €20 million investment aimed at completing eight stalled secondary schools in Zambia. European Union Counsellor for Social Sectors and Governance, Bogdan Stefanescu, made the announcement during a courtesy visit to Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Richard Mulwanda.
Among the schools included in this initiative are Limulunga Day and Libonda secondary schools, both located in Western Province. Stefanescu emphasized the importance of this investment as the EU prepares to celebrate 50 years of cooperation with Zambia, stating, “We want to ensure that we work towards the completion of stalled secondary schools in the country.”
During his visit, Stefanescu inspected the two schools to assess the remaining work needed for their completion, with a target date for handover set for December 31, 2025.
Fredrick Katulwende, Director of Finance in the Ministry of Education, noted that the free education policy has led to an increase in enrollment, as many children who had previously dropped out are now returning to school. He added that completing these schools will significantly enhance classroom capacity.
Other schools benefiting from EU funding include Shungu Namutitima and Ndondi in Southern Province, Munali Center of Excellence in Lusaka, Mako Boarding Secondary School in North-Western Province, Pambashe Boarding Secondary School in Luapula, and Vumbwi Boarding Secondary School in Eastern Province.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Mulwanda expressed optimism that the completion of the two schools will elevate education standards in the province. He also assured that the provincial administration will monitor the projects closely to ensure quality and timely completion.
Additionally, Mulwanda urged the EU delegation to consider extending support for the stalled Nalolo Secondary School in the rural area of the province.
