Mansa Municipal Council says it is set to sponsor 555 students under the 2026 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Skills Bursary Programme at a cost of over K11.6 million, benefiting two Constituencies.
Council Public Relations Officer, Norman Kashi said out of the total beneficiaries, Bahati Constituency will sponsor 295 students at a cost of K6,223,918, while Mansa Central Constituency has 260 students approved for sponsorship at a cost of K5,459,878.
“This development follows formal approval by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in line with the CDF Act No. 1 of 2024, specifically Section 12(a) and Section 25(2), which provide for the financing of skills development and empowerment of youths through the Constituency Development Fund,” he said.
Mr. Kashi added that the sponsored students will pursue market-relevant and practical skills in various TEVET institutions, including Northern Technical College, Mansa Trades, Mansa School for Continuing Education, Copperbelt Professional College, Luanshya Business and Technical College, among others.
Some of the courses to be pursued by the learners include: Automotive Engineering, Advanced Electrical and Power Electrical Engineering,
Heavy Equipment Operation
Fashion, Design and Textile Technology.
Others are Food Production, Plumbing, Driving, General Agriculture and Bricklaying as well as Masonry.
He explained that the CDF Skills Bursary Programme remains a critical pillar in empowering young people with hands-on skills, enhancing employability, promoting self-employment, and stimulating local economic development.
“By investing in technical and vocational skills, the Council is equipping youths to actively participate in national development, reduce unemployment, and contribute meaningfully to household incomes and community growth,” Mr. Kashi noted.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to ensuring that CDF resources directly transform lives, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, skills development, and inclusive socio-economic progress across both constituencies.
