In a major step towards bridging gender and economic gaps in STEM education, FAWEZA selected 200 recipients for the 2024 cohort 1 of Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) bursaries under the Mastercard Foundation Program for the 2024 academic year. This initiative provides financial support to vulnerable young women, men, people with disabilities, and refugees between 16-24 years old, fostering inclusivity in STEM fields. 160 young women and 40 young men will pursue STEM-related studies at TEVET institutions across Zambia.
FAWEZA’s Executive Director, Mr. Costern Kanchele, emphasized the program’s transformative impact. “This bursary program does more than just remove financial barriers—it is a challenge to deeply rooted gender stereotypes in STEM fields. By empowering 200 young minds, we are investing in Zambia’s future workforce and economic resilience,” he stated.
Beyond financial support, FAWEZA is committed to mentorship and resource support to ensure student success. The Mastercard Foundation Bursary support Program equips disadvantaged youth, including persons with disabilities and refugees, with essential STEM skills, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in line with Zambia’s sustainable development goals.
The names of the selected recipients were published in the Zambia Daily Mail and Times of Zambia newspapers on 3rd and 6th January 2025 respectively. FAWEZA expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership in making education more accessible. The following are the partner institutions for the academic year 2025 in a STEM related course:
- Mukinge College of Nursing and Midwifery in Kasempa District
- Malcolm Moffat College of Education in Serenje District
- Northern Technical College(NORTEC) In NdolaDistrict
- Chipata Trades TrainingInstitute in ChipataDistrict
- Lusaka Business and Technical Collegein Lusaka District
- LivingstoneInstitute of Business& Engineering Studies (LIBES) In Livingstone District
- Kasama College of Education in Kasama District
- Mansa College of Nursing and Midwifery in Mansa District
- Zambia College of Agriculture in Mpika District
- Lewanika College of Nursing & Midwifery in Mongu District
