Education grants
The Trust assists disadvantaged Zambian students to pursue educational, technical, vocational and training courses in Zambia on completion of their secondary education after Grade 12. The courses supported are normally up to two years in duration, and the partial grants awarded will usually cover tuition and examination fees and sometimes accommodation costs.
(Centre) Sharon Mbeba, who completed a course at NIPA in 2006, shows her Diploma in Information Systems and Programming. Andrew Tembo (left) and Dentan Chilufya (right) are completing their final year of training at Evelyn Hone College to qualify as Science Laboratory Technicians (May 2008).
The initial short list is drawn up by a Zambia-based Advisory Group which takes into account the student's record and circumstances, the value, cost and length of the course, and issues of disability, gender and geographical location. Final selection is completed by the UK committee.
Funding is channelled directly to the Zambian institution operating the course. The annual funding available is around £10,000 and each year we are able to support about twelve to fifteen students. Students follow a wide range of courses; recent ones include: Heavy Equipment Repair Technician, Metal Fabrication, Registered Mental Health Nurse, Diploma in Environmental Health, Diploma in Agriculture - Animal Science, Diploma in Telecommunications, Diploma in Secondary Teaching, Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, Diploma in Radiography, and Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations.
A letter recently received from a student completing his course in radiography this year is typical. "I write to really thank you for all financial support you have rendered to me for the past two years. Without you I can't cheat I was not going to be able to complete my course. It is because of you I can even say that I am in the final year. In December I will be sitting for my final exams and I just pray that things will go well. I would like just to appreciate you for the wonderful work you are doing for people like me who can't afford to pay college fees."
Applications for courses beginning in 2011 must be received by 31 August 2010. To make an application for a grant students should either download an application formand a covering letter or contact the Education Grants Coordinator requesting information:
Email : zsteducation@hotmail.co.uk
Postal Address:
Post Net No. 66, Private Bag E 835, Lusaka, Zambia