Zambia: Zambia Student Unions from higher learning institutions thanked the Government for lowering interest rates on student loans. The new interest rates for student loans are reduced from 15% to 10%. The student unions of Zambia are extremely happy with the decision of the Government.
This initiative aims to decrease the financial burden of the students so that they can invest in their lifestyle. The National Council of Student Unions also applauded the Government for the progressive measures that they took in the education sector.
The students are happy about the decision of the Government as they can utilize their funds to create livelihoods or buy a house after completing their education.
The Council of Students Union visited the Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima on a courtesy call on December 4, 2023.
National Council of Student Unions president Michelo Chizombe spoke on behalf of other leaders during the courtesy call. He said the reduction is an indication that the Government has the interests of students at heart.
Chizombe added that there is no doubt that, the country is on a positive trajectory in as far as the education sector is concerned. He reached this conclusion after witnessing the interventions that the Government has done so far.
He also said the students are also grateful to the Government for reintroducing the meal allowances.
Chizombe further assured the Minister that the student leaders pledge always to engage the Government when there are issues. They promised that they would not take a confrontational stance on any problems.
Meanwhile, Syakalima assured students that Government has embarked on a vigorous exercise to ensure that there is a paradigm shift in the education sector.
He claimed that the Government is looking for ways to better the education system from early childhood to tertiary level. He said his Ministry will have to make bold decisions aimed at taking the education sector to another level.
The Minister also said institutions of learning should not engage in politics at any time. The Minister urged the students to ensure that they do not play politics at institutions of learning as doing so will only play to their detriment.
The National Council of Students Union is an umbrella body comprising of Students Union from:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â The University of Zambia,
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Copperbelt University,
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Mulungushi University,
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
–Â Â Â Â Â Â NRDC,
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Evelyn Hone College and NIPA.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â St DMI Eugene,
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Cavendish University
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Chreso University
