Gloria Kangwa writes
@SunZambian
The World Vision organisation Zambia in North-Western Province has donated 55 bicycles at a cost of K64, 000 to 6 schools in Mwinilunga district for the vulnerable girl child that covers long distances when going to school.
The organisation which builds on the strength of partnerships while its community interventions focusses on improved literacy, health, resilient livelihoods and the protection of children, made the donation in a bid to ensure the distance covered when going to school is reduced.
Speaking at the donation, World Vision district manager Trust Mutinta said getting to the nearest school for the pupils still meant a large distance was covered but assured a difference would be made with use of bicycles.
Mr Mutinta said the primary schools that benefited from the donation were Minyanya school, Kapombo school Katuyola school, Muozi school, Kanzenzi school and Matonchi school.
“The purpose of the donation by the organisation was to ensure that the girl child can be able to get to school without being too tired from walking because the concentration levels of a child that walks are different from one who arrives on time, and also have those from the furthest areas in the district show up on time for class,” he said.
He added that the donation was also a way to keep the girl child in school to avoid the irritation of walking a long distance which will ensure development is brought to the district when education is attained.
He further urged that parents to the pupils that received the bicycles should not divert their use to domestic duties but ensure the children get to school on time.
Speaking at the same event, acting District Commissioner Mwiya Thulani thanked the organisation and encouraged other cooperating partners to be on board with developing the district without leaving anyone behind.
“As a District we thank World Vision and government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu for providing a conducive environment where public private partnerships exists and flourishes. These bicycles are durable and I urge the beneficiaries to take care and utilize them for going to school to attain a better life,” he said.
He added that government’s priority was for all to access education which has been identified as a way to reduce poverty and vulnerability.
