FAWE Africa’s Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Teresa Omondi Adeitan, joined FAWEZA in a high-level advocacy engagement with Vice Chancellors from six Zambian universities to champion the introduction of a bridging course that would offer a second chance to underserved young women and men aspiring to pursue STEM degree programmes.
During the engagement, Ms. Adeitan facilitated a powerful panel discussion that underscored the importance of national ownership and collective action in addressing academic inequality. “There are no failures,” she affirmed, “only untapped potential what matters is the opportunity to nurture it.”
The proposed Bridging Course initiative seeks to close the gap for learners who may not have met the traditional entry requirements for university, particularly in STEM subjects. The program is designed to respond to academic gaps, reduce socio-economic and gender disparities, and create inclusive pathways to higher education. It is aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030, the STEM Education Strategy (2020–2025), and Sustainable Development Goal 4.
FAWEZA Executive Director, Mr. Costern Kanchele, reiterated the importance of the Mastercard Foundation supported Bridging Course under Phase II of the bursary support programme. He called on universities to consider flexible entry routes for students who show potential but missed the standard cut-off marks, giving them a chance to pursue an academic qualification in a STEM Course.
Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA), with funding from Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a seven-year bursary programme entitled: “Second Chance Pathways for increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men”.
The overall approach of the programme is “Innovation to create pathways for increasing access to tertiary education, skilling and dignified work for young female and male graduates of secondary education in Africa”.
The programme is cantered on empowering marginalized young people aged 15 – 25 years who have completed secondary education to transition into tertiary education with Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) courses under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities through provision of bursaries.
In a follow-up engagement, the FAWE and FAWEZA team, led by FAWEZA Board Chairperson, Prof. Enala T. Mwase, paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kelvin Mambwe. The Permanent Secretary expressed the Ministry’s full support for the initiative and encouraged inclusive research that also explores the vulnerabilities of the boy child, while reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind.
