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The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has announced that through the Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme, a dedicated percentage of bursaries will be reserved for learners with disabilities.
FAWEZA Executive Director, Costern Kanchele, said this would include full tuition, boarding and provision of assistive devises, among other incentives.
Kanchele in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday said the affairmative was made with the recognition of the significant barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
He announced this as Zambia joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
Kanchele said FAWEZA remained steadfast in the belief that education was a fundamental right and a transformative tool for social and economic empowerment.
“This bold step reaffirms our commitment to bridging the education gap and ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to quality education that fosters leadership and innovation,” he stated.
Additionally, the initiative would specifically target vulnerable learners, addressing challenges such as lack of accessibility, societal stigma, and financial constraints that often impede their educational progress.
Kanchele said the allocation of bursaries was part of FAWEZA’s broader mission to leave no one behind.
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“It ensures that persons with disabilities are included in our vision of a society where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have equal opportunities to lead, learn, and thrive,” he said.
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Kanchele said the day served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to foster equity, inclusion, and empowerment for persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in shaping a sustainable future.
He stated that this year’s theme resonates deeply with FAWEZA’s work, as the organisation amplifies the voices and leadership of persons with disabilities through mentorship, leadership training, and advocacy campaigns.
“By investing in education and leadership development, we are cultivating a generation of changemakers who will drive the agenda of inclusivity and sustainability,” Kanchele said.
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