Police IG supports Form One students in Kasungu

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nspector General (IG) of Police Merlyne Yolamu has supported 146 girls from eight primary schools in Traditional Authority Wimbe in Kasungu District with school fees for their secondary education.

The IG delivered the funds on Thursday during the launch of government’s new campaign dubbed Keeping Girls in School.

Yolamu said she felt honoured to inspire boys and girls who are now going to secondary school.

She said: “When given a chance like this, I am always happy to share my story of a journey that I passed through to become the Police IG. Many people, especially young ones, think that I grew up in a wealthy family which had everything that I wanted.

“No. I was an orphan and one of my guardians was blind, but that did not stop me to chase my dream.”

Yolamu told the students to resist temptations that can affect their education.

In her remarks, Deputy Minister for Education Nancy Chaola Mdooko urged students not to underestimate themselves and pleaded with traditional leaders to fight early marriages.

She said: “People who underestimate themselves fail to go far because they set themselves a limit. I do not want you to do that.

“However, a good initiative like this sometimes fails to bear fruits because some traditional leaders do not condemn early marriages which prevent girls from achieving their goals.”

Kasungu East legislator Madalitso Kazombo, who is also First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, also motivated the students and gave them backpacks.

“I am pleased that government has launched the campaign in my constituency. This is a good initiative as it is my will to see girls and boys get educated and become reliable citizens,” he said.

The IG contributed K1 million towards the initiative.