(By Lolavye Simukoko (Mr) – Chinsali Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager)
As the school bell echoes across the grounds of Chinsali Special School in Chinsali District, learners begin another day filled with purpose and determination. For many of them, simply being in class today is not something to take for granted. Behind their smiles are stories of resilience, ambition, and a community intervention, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Secondary Boarding School bursaries.
Among the beneficiaries is James Kangwa, a visually impaired Grade 10 learner from Lubu Ward in Chinsali. Soft-spoken yet confident, James is quick to share his love for Biology and History, the subjects that spark his curiosity about life and justice. His dream is bold and clear. He wants to become a Lawyer.
“I want to speak out for others, especially the less privileged, and advocate for their rights,” he says.
Before receiving the CDF bursary, James’ family struggled to meet the cost of school fees and boarding requirements. The financial uncertainty affected his concentration in class, as he constantly worried about whether he would be able to remain in school. That burden was lifted when he was awarded the CDF Secondary Boarding School bursary.
“Since I was supported, my performance has improved. I can now focus on my studies,” James explains.
He encourages other learners who are struggling to pay school fees to apply for CDF support so that they, too, can benefit from the opportunity.
Also thriving under the programme is Tawanda Mwale, a hearing-impaired Grade 12 learner from Ichinga Ward in Chinsali. Though shy, her eyes light up when she talks about her favourite subject, Food and Nutrition, and her dream of becoming a Home Economics teacher.
Her passion for cooking has shaped her career goals, and with the support of dedicated teachers at Chinsali Special School, she is gaining both academic and life skills.
“The teachers have been very helpful. I have learned a lot, including sign language and many other things,” she shares.
According to Ms Mirriam Mvula, the Acting Deputy Headteacher, Chinsali Special School helps ensure that learners with disabilities are not left behind.
“We enroll as many learners as we can accommodate so that no child is excluded,” she says.
She explains that CDF bursaries now cover school fees for many learners, allowing funds to be redirected toward essential learning needs.
Before the introduction of the bursaries, many learners could not access education due to financial challenges. Today, that story is changing as attendance and performance have improved.
“There has been tremendous improvement. Many children are now in school because of good sensitization on CDF,” Ms Mvula notes.
She adds that the CDF community projects component has enabled the provision of more school desks, addressing the challenge of learners sitting on the floor due to limited furniture.
Without the CDF intervention, Ms Mvula believes the consequences would be severe.
“Most learners would have dropped out. Girls would be vulnerable to teenage pregnancies, and boys would end up on the streets,” she explains.
Currently, Chinsali Special School has 41 learners under the CDF Secondary Boarding School bursary programme, that is, 20 new entrants under the recent 2026 CDF approvals and 21 returning learners. This support is ensuring inclusivity and equal access to education for all.
CDF is not just funding education. It is protecting futures. Through this support, Chinsali Special School continues to live its mission, to nurture and develop learners’ potential and abilities through individualized learning in a caring, supportive, and enriching environment.
For James, Tawanda, and many others, CDF has not only kept them in school. It has placed their dreams firmly within reach.