Citizens Celebrated for Patriotism, Education, and Civic Engagement

Mwalimu receiving a certificate

... UPND Head of Programs Azwell Kazembe Mwalimu Scoops Second Position for His Article describing HH's struggle to the Presidency

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  - (3-11-2024) - The second edition of the "I Love Zambia" National Day Essay Competition concluded with an awards ceremony at Nakatindi Hall, Lusaka Civic Centre, where citizens showcased their creativity and patriotism through a total of 715 essay submissions.

 This year's competition attracted a diverse group of participants from various backgrounds, all eager to express their love for Zambia and contribute to the national discourse.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheol Mulyata, who served as the guest of honor, praised the participants for their outstanding contributions. 

She emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering national pride and civic engagement, which are crucial for building a cohesive society. 

"Your voices matter, and today we celebrate your creativity and dedication to our nation," Mulyata said during his speech.

Mulyata stated that the essay competition aimed not only to promote writing skills but also to encourage a culture of informed citizenship. 

He likened the importance of education to the strength of an eagle, asserting that it equips individuals with essential tools needed to realize their aspirations. 

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to education under President Hakainde Hichilema, which includes free education from grades 1 to 12 and student loans for higher education.

This essay competition aligns with the agenda of the United Party for National Development (UPND), which emphasizes effective writing as vital for social and economic advancement. 

Mulyata pointed out that writing empowers citizens to understand government policies and stay informed about national development initiatives while preserving their cultural identity.

She also acknowledged the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Zambia and China, viewing it as a model of effective communication and collaboration across various sectors, including education. 

This partnership resonates with the vision outlined at the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Summit, focusing on modernization and a shared future. 

Mulyata underscored the significance of international cooperation in achieving common goals, particularly in the education sector.

Mulyata advocated for initiatives that engage citizens of all ages, facilitating their integration into society and emphasizing their roles as future leaders of Zambia. 

"We must work together to create opportunities for our youth, ensuring they are equipped to contribute positively to our nation," he urged.

She congratulated all participants in the essay competition, particularly recognizing the achievements of the top three winners, including Azwell Kazembe Mwalimu, whose essay on Hakainde Hichilema’s struggle to the presidency highlighted the importance of perseverance and dedication in leadership. Mwalimu’s work resonated with the audience, as it not only illustrated the challenges faced by the President but also served as an inspiring narrative for aspiring leaders.

The winners of the competition received impressive prizes: Benjamin Sapeso was awarded the first prize of a Genset for home use, Azwell Kazembe Mwalimu took home the second prize of a Mini Lenovo Laptop, and Lackson Mvula won the third prize of a Huawei Smartphone. These prizes were designed to encourage further educational pursuits among the winners.

Gertrude Imenda, the UPND Deputy Secretary General, spoke about the transformative impact of the government’s free education policies on Zambian society.

 She highlighted that the current enrollment figure of over six million pupils is a direct outcome of these initiatives, which have significantly increased educational access across the country. 

"Without free education, many of us would not have the opportunities we have today," she stated, reflecting the broader recognition of education as a vital equalizer.

Imenda referenced the historical context of education in Zambia, emphasizing that free education was established after independence in 1964 but faced neglect in the early 1990s, leading to a decline in school enrollment and educational quality. 

She asserted that the revival of these initiatives under President Hakainde Hichilema's administration is essential for the country’s development and future stability.

During her address, Imenda acknowledged public demonstrations in Namwala, where residents expressed their support for the government’s educational reforms. 

She noted that these changes have not only created jobs but also enhanced educational opportunities, stating, "People appreciate the government's commitment to free education."

However, Imenda recognized that challenges remain, particularly the need for improved infrastructure to accommodate the increased number of students. 

She called for continued investment in educational resources, including classrooms and qualified teachers, to ensure the success of these policies and the realization of educational equity.

Earlier at the awards ceremony, PILAB.C Limited director Zhongmei Che highlighted the significant contributions of the Chinese Embassy to Zambia’s education sector. 

He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support received, noting that more than 100,000 Zambian children have benefited from educational initiatives backed by the Embassy in primary and secondary schools.

 Che characterized this partnership as a “shared commitment to a brighter future,” emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in the field of education.

Reflecting on the ongoing relationship between Zambia and China, Che acknowledged China’s support in strengthening Zambia’s economy and educational institutions, including the University of Zambia. 

“Today, we proudly reflect on Zambia’s progress in diplomacy and cooperation,” he stated, reiterating the importance of fostering strong ties for mutual development.

The ceremony also recognized the dedication of the competition's participants, selected from over 700 applicants, praising their commitment to academic excellence and the future of the nation. 

Mr. Che specifically mentioned Emma, a student honored for her outstanding academic achievements, as an example of the potential that exists within Zambia's youth.

Lubasi Milupi, speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Lusaka, Chilando Chitangala, emphasized the critical role of community engagement in governance. He articulated that the local council is essential for policy development and nurturing partnerships with residents. 

“The council is committed to delivering essential services and acts as a bridge between the community and the government,” Milupi stated, expressing optimism about leveraging the city’s abundant resources through collaborative efforts.

He reported a notable 50% improvement in local infrastructure and services, expressing gratitude for the government’s free education policy, which has positively impacted families in Lusaka. 

“This initiative is greatly appreciated by our residents, and we are committed to building on this progress,” he remarked.

Milupi invited stakeholders to partner with the Lusaka City Council to further strengthen these initiatives, stating, “We welcome all partners who share our vision for a better Lusaka. Together, we can improve our programs and ensure their success.” 

This Home Use Genset went to the first winner

His remarks underscored the council's open-door policy, designed to enhance accessibility for all citizens and ensure their voices are heard and valued.

The Mayor of Lusaka remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where citizens can thrive, emphasizing the collective responsibility in building a better future for all Zambians.