Education

Faweza ensures vulnerable girls get education


By Doreen Nawa

NOT long ago, educating a girl was considered a waste of time, money and resources and some families; especially in rural areas still hold this notion, putting the education of girls in jeopardy.
Girls in many families especially in rural areas are still regarded as marriage material as evidenced by the increasing number of early marriages.
But today, there are some notable changes in the mindset. Families are now realising the importance of educating both boys and girls because of consistent sensitization by both the government and cooperating partners.
The major problem is finances because education has become expensive, making it impossible for many families to take their children to school.
And as the country builds momentum to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, various organisations are doing their part to help achieve this dream. There is no doubt that education is key to any development, be it at personal level or otherwise.
The saying: ‘An educated nation is a better nation’ cannot be over-emphasised. For this reason, the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has taken the responsibility to promote education among girls, women and disadvantaged males in Zambia by devising a sponsorship programme.
This year, FAWEZA has sponsored 137 vulnerable students to do tertiary education in various colleges and universities throughout the country. Out of the 137, 114 are females and the rest are male.
Addressing the recipients of the scholarships, FAWEZA national coordinator Daphne Chimuka had this to say: “Education has the ability to turn your background into what you did not expect. It is a vital element and a fundamental human right. Every child is entitled to it but circumstances sometimes make this impossible for many to go to school.”
Ms Chimuka said education is critical to development and it helps to pave the way for a successful and productive future.
“When children have access to a rights-based, quality education that is rooted in gender equality, we create a ripple effect of opportunity which impacts generations for a long time.”
FAWEZA is giving students an opportunity to change their lives and that of their families and the NGO expects nothing in return, except for hard work on the part of the recipients.
“Many of our girls today are lured by material things, at the expense of their education. Here in Lusaka, there are men who are willing to spend the earth on you but they do nothing to make you a better person. Your education will be in vain. The gains are short time but education is for life,” Ms Chimuka told the recipients.
Traditionally, in some families in Zambia, males are given priority in education while females take the responsibility of looking after the home, instead of going to school.
Little attention is paid to the fact that education opens up several opportunities and is the backbone of development.
Education gives individuals an opportunity to change the status of their families.
Although education is a right, not everyone has access to it. Women and girls are the most disadvantaged.
One of the beneficiaries of the scholarship, Zandra Mwiikisa, a Law student at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) says getting an opportunity to further education should not be taken for granted, considering that a lot of school leavers are on the streets not because they want to be there, but because they have no opportunity to access tertiary education.
“I have learnt one thing and that is to be content with what I have at any time. I will use this opportunity to make myself a better person, for the good of my family.
I know there are a lot of social pressures in colleges and universities which has hindered a lot of students from achieving their dream but for me, I know why I am in school. I perform well in school,” Ms Mwiikisa says.
In Zambia today, tertiary education has become so expensive and several families cannot afford to take their children for further education.
Limited access to tertiary education has impacted negatively on job creation and the future of the country.To find a decent job in Zambia, the candidate needs a university degree or other higher qualifications. Most families cannot afford to sponsor their children up to university.
Education enhances life, ends generational cycles of poverty and provides a foundation for sustainable development. Quality education equips girls and boys with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt healthy lifestyles, protect themselves from discrimination and abuse and take an active role in decision-making.
Educated adults are more likely to have fewer children, be informed about appropriate child-rearing practices and ensure that their children start school on time and are ready to learn.
Another beneficiary, Isaac Mazimba who has been under FAWEZA sponsorship since high school, says FAWEZA has helped him a great deal. Without FAWEZA, he would not have come this far in his education.
A rights-based approach to education can address some of the deeply rooted inequalities across communities. These inequalities condemn millions of children, particularly girls, to a life without quality education and, therefore, to a life of missed opportunities.
Today, organisations like FAWEZA work tirelessly to ensure that every child regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or other circumstances, has access to a quality education.
“We focus on gender equality and work towards eliminating disparities of all kinds. Our innovative programmes and initiatives target Zambia’s most disadvantaged children: the vulnerable,” Ms Chimuka said. Most of Zambia’s children are out of school or receive sub-standard education. Each one of the children has dreams that may never be fulfilled, potential that may never be realised.
By ensuring that every child has access to quality learning, a foundation for growth, transformation, innovation, opportunity and equality is necessary.
Whether in times of crisis or calm, in cities or remote villages, commitment to realising a fundamental, non-negotiable goal of quality education for all cannot be overemphasised.