Lusaka’s Kabanana Primary school Headteacher has lauded the Government for its transformative two-megawatt solar energy initiative, highlighting its significant impact on learning and daily operations.
Recently, Cabinet approved the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI) which will see all the 156 Constituencies getting a 2-megawatt solar power plant.
Mrs. Bernadette Masumba said the rollout of solar infrastructure in each constituency will help ease the effects of load-shedding and enable seamless integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education.
Speaking recently in Lusaka, Mrs. Masumba emphasized that reliable solar power has become a key driver of improved learning conditions.
She noted that uninterrupted electricity supply is allowing teachers and learners—from early childhood education (ECE) onwards—to access computers, print learning materials, and conduct various ICT-based activities without disruption.
She appreciated the President’s initiative to ensure each constituency benefits from at least two megawatts of solar power.
“So, as a school, we really appreciate because this is reducing on the load shedding, and we are able to do a lot of activities in line with the ICT,” she stated.
Mrs. Masumba added that reliable power would help the school fully utilize its ICT room to enhance learning and administrative tasks.
“As we know, learners starting from ECE,
are also supposed to experience the usage of the computer. So, we really appreciate this initiative.”
“Therefore, I am asking if we can as well benefit from the use of the ICT room with this programme of the two megawatt power initiatives which are being taken to each constituency,” Mrs. Masumba said.
She further acknowledged the broader positive changes resulting from government policies, including the free education programme championed by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Headteacher noted that the policy has helped bring back learners—especially those aged 13 to 18—who had previously dropped out.
“We would like to extend our appreciation, especially to the Government for introducing free education. This is helping to bring back the learners to school.”
“As a school, we have a program where we are picking learners from 13 to 18 years. We are a pilot school, and we are very excited to see the learners improving when they come back to school. So, we are so grateful because, as educators, this is a good sign,” she remarked.
In addition to government support, the institution celebrated a major milestone achieved through ZANACO’s donation of desks, which will benefit 5,225 learners.
