Sanlam Donates to Support Free Education



Corporate partnership delivers exercise books and sanitary towels to vulnerable learners.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 —(21-11-2024) -- Sanlam Life Zambia has donated exercise books and sanitary towels to the Ministry of Education, reinforcing government efforts to strengthen the free education policy that has returned 2.3 million children to school and highlighting the crucial role of corporate partnerships in supporting vulnerable learners and expanding access to education.

Minister of Education Daglous Siakalima said the policy has transformed access to education nationwide, with girls constituting more than half of the returning students.

 “Families used to choose who should go to school, and girls were often left behind. Free education has changed that. Girls are now competing academically at the same level as boys,” he said.


Siakalima emphasised that the policy benefits not only learners but also an estimated 12 million adults, as parents of children in public schools no longer pay fees.

 “Government is covering the cost, allowing households to redirect finances to other essential needs,” he explained.

The minister noted that government funds, including those from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), are being used to build new schools and improve facilities.

 Showers and other amenities in girls’ schools aim to reduce absenteeism linked to menstrual hygiene challenges. “We are creating conditions that keep every learner in class,” he added.

Siakalima stressed that education is a long-term investment. 

“These learners will form the next generation of professionals who will drive the country’s development,” he said, noting that it may take decades to see the full impact of current interventions.

He drew a comparison with South Korea, whose heavy investment in education during the 1960s propelled the country to rapid economic growth. 

“South Korea had no minerals, only people. They invested in them. We must do the same,” he said.

Sanlam Life Zambia CEO Maunga Kwenda said the company targeted the donation to meet urgent needs in vulnerable communities, where many children lack exercise books and sanitary towels. 

“Most of us are products of free education. Supporting this effort is our way of contributing to the future of these learners,” he said.

Kwenda confirmed that Sanlam spent K130,000 on the items and their transportation to Senanga and pledged continued support for the ministry’s initiatives.

The Ministry of Education welcomed the gesture and encouraged other corporate partners to assist in improving learning conditions for children across the country.

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