Speaking during the commissioning of the Mutinta Hichilema Secondary School in Namalombwe Ward of Chilanga District, Lieutenant General Solochi said education has become a guaranteed right that learners must take seriously.
Solochi said the free education policy has transformed the lives of many families, including his own, by removing financial barriers that previously prevented children from accessing education.
“I wonder where I would have been if not for free education,” he said.
He urged pupils not to take the initiative for granted, stressing that education is a responsibility that shapes one’s future.
“Free education means free entitlement. And therefore, it calls for even the pupils here to take care, be responsible, and know what they are coming for here, that they are coming for a title of their life,” Solochi said.
The ZNS Commander added that education is a lifelong investment and a key foundation for national development.
His remarks come shortly after Parliament passed the Education (Amendment) Bill, which makes free education a permanent legal entitlement across the country.
Since the introduction of the policy in 2022, more than 2.5 million children have reportedly returned to school. The new law guarantees free education for every child in public schools from early childhood to secondary level.
Meanwhile, Solochi also commended the Wonderful Group of Companies and its partners for constructing the school under a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative at a cost of K35 million.
The school, officially commissioned by Mutinta Hichilema, comprises 15 fully furnished classrooms, two science laboratories, an administration block, staff houses, ablution blocks, solar lighting systems, desks and school bags.
Yeah, it is indeed a game-changer. One of the biggest reasons I am giving my vote to HH! Seriously!