WORKS on the new Sekute High School in Kazungula District, whose 1×3 classroom block is being constructed using President Hakainde Hichilema’s K700,000 donation, are progressing well, says Senior Chief Sekute. And Sekute High School Construction Project Secretary Bonaventure Michelo says the committee will apply for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) assistance to fully complete the project. […]

WORKS on the new Sekute High School in Kazungula District, whose 1×3 classroom block is being constructed using President Hakainde Hichilema’s K700,000 donation, are progressing well, says Senior Chief Sekute.

And Sekute High School Construction Project Secretary Bonaventure Michelo says the committee will apply for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) assistance to fully complete the project.

During a tour of the classroom block under construction near Chuundu Palace, last Thursday, Senior Chief Sekute said President Hichilema had donated funds for the expansion of Sekute Basic School.

“When he [President Hakainde Hichilema] came for the traditional ceremony the other year, he donated K700,000 towards the expansion of the basic school. But the community decided that, given the challenges they had with learners having to walk long distances to access Form 1, we should start a Secondary School here, which we are now calling Sekute High School,” Chief Sekute said.

He said prior to this, the school in the palace area only went up to Grade 6, forcing pupils to travel about 15 kilometres to town to continue to Grade 7 and Form One.

“That is why the community decided to start this initiative. The works are progressing well, and it is expected that by the end of next month they will be completed. We thank the President for this initiative,” he said.

Chief Sekute further thanked the local council for intervening to address the school’s water challenges.

“We had a challenge with water here, but the council has sunk a borehole to help fast-track everything that is needed,” he said.

And Michelo said the establishment of Sekute High School will help decongest overcrowded classrooms in Makunka Village and surrounding areas.

“The nearest secondary school is in Makunka, about 20 kilometres from here. So this school will really be a plus for the community,” Michelo said.

He said construction of the 1×3 classroom block is more than 50 percent complete, with roofing materials, window frames and doors already in place.

“Going forward, we need about seven classroom blocks for a start, but this one is just the initial phase. We are yet to engage the CDF so that we can extend from here. This is just a starting point,” added Michelo.

He said once operational, the school will be of great benefit to the community and will reduce the number of pupils dropping out due to the long distance to the nearest secondary school.