Grade 12 learners in Kalumbila district urged to embrace skills development
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TechnologyGrade 12 graduands at Meheba Boarding Secondary School in Kalumbila District have been urged to embrace skills development, entrepreneurship, discipline, and innovation in order to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development. Education Standards…
Grade 12 graduands at Meheba Boarding Secondary School in Kalumbila District have been urged to embrace skills development, entrepreneurship, discipline, and innovation in order to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Education Standards Officer for Special Education Exildah Biemba, who represented District Education Board Secretary Thompson Lungu said education should go beyond acquiring certificates and prepare young people to identify challenges and develop solutions.
Speaking during the school’s Eighth Graduation Ceremony for the 2026 Grade 12 leavers, Ms Biemba said graduates should use the knowledge and skills acquired to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme, “Equipped to Serve, Empowered to Transform,” the ceremony celebrated the achievements of the graduating learners after years of hard work and dedication.
Ms Biemba encouraged the graduands to explore opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship, technology and other productive sectors rather than depending solely on formal employment.
She said government had introduced various programmes to support young people, including the National Youth Policy, Technical Education Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET), Constituency Development Fund (CDF) skills development bursaries and empowerment initiatives.
Ms Biemba also highlighted the role of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board in providing financial assistance to eligible students pursuing further education at qualifying public universities.
She cautioned the graduands against drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, violence and other destructive behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Ms Biemba further urged them to uphold discipline, integrity, humility and perseverance, saying success required more than academic qualifications.
Meanwhile, Hope Beyond Borders Initiative Secretary General Michael Matanda encouraged the graduands to remain ambitious and never allow their present circumstances to determine their future.
Mr Matanda, who is a former Meheba Boarding Secondary School pupil and a graduate of Cavendish University Zambia,shared his personal journey from struggling to read in Grade One to attaining a university degree.
He said his journey was characterised by faith, determination and hard work, adding that young people should remain focused even when faced with financial and other challenges.
Mr Matanda disclosed that Cavendish University Zambia produced 105 refugee graduates this year, more than 30 of whom came from Meheba.
He further revealed that nine of the 12 founders of Hope Beyond Borders Initiative were former pupils of Meheba Secondary School.
Mr Matanda said the organisation, which is a legally registered refugee-youth-led initiative had so far helped 25 young people secure scholarships, including four in Kenya.
He explained that the organisation supports young people through mentorship and scholarship guidance, helping them identify educational opportunities and prepare applications.
Mr Matanda also urged the graduands to acquire digital skills and embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
He encouraged them to build meaningful relationships with mentors, teachers and professionals, saying guidance and networking could open doors to new opportunities.
And Meheba Boarding Secondary School Headteacher Musanya Musanya expressed gratitude to parents, teachers and other stakeholders for supporting the graduating learners throughout their five years at the institution.
Mr Musanya wished the graduands success in their examinations and urged parents to continue encouraging and supporting them as they pursue their future ambitions.
He said the graduation marked an important milestone in the learners’ academic journey and called on them to remain focused on achieving their dreams.
The ceremony brought together school administrators, parents, teachers, education officials and other stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.
The Parent-Teacher Association Chairperson Japhet Bunda Bunda thanked parents and stakeholders for their continued support towards the school’s development.
He also encouraged them to remain disciplined and focused.
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