30/06/2026
๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ
On 24th June 2026, The Healing Balm Foundation โ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ก visited Chibuwe Community School to engage learners in Grades 5 to 7 on critical issues that shape their education, health, and future aspirations. The awareness session focused on Career Guidance, Early Marriages and Teenage Pregnancy, and Menstrual Health, equipping learners with practical knowledge to help them make informed decisions as they prepare for the transition to secondary education.
Recognising that Chibuwe Community School offers education up to Grade 7, the Foundation placed special emphasis on career guidance to help learners understand the importance of continuing their education. Participants learned how successfully completing Grade 7 and progressing to Grade 8 opens opportunities for secondary education, TEVETA skills training, and future careers. Learners were encouraged to identify their strengths, interests, and favourite subjects as a foundation for choosing future career paths while discussing ways to overcome peer pressure and the misconception that school is not important. The key message throughout the session was clear: Stay in school now, decide your future later.
The Foundation also facilitated an open and interactive discussion on early marriages and teenage pregnancy. Learners were reminded that marriage before the age of 18 is illegal in Zambia and that teenage pregnancy has lasting consequences for both girls and boys, affecting health, education, and future opportunities. Practical guidance was shared on protecting themselves by staying in school, seeking advice from trusted adults, choosing friends wisely, and setting personal goals. Boys were encouraged to respect and support girls rather than pressure them into unhealthy relationships, while girls were informed about Zambia's school re-entry policy, which allows young mothers to continue their education after childbirth. The session reinforced the message that every child's future is worth waiting for.
To promote dignity and confidence among learners, the Foundation also conducted a menstrual health education session for both girls and boys. Common myths surrounding menstruation were addressed while learners received accurate information on menstrual hygiene and the importance of creating a supportive school environment. Sanitary pads were distributed to girls, helping reduce absenteeism, improving confidence, and ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to education.
Community schools such as Chibuwe often experience high dropout rates after Grade 7 due to limited access to information, guidance, and essential resources. Through this intervention, learners received the knowledge, encouragement, and practical support needed to remain in school, protect their wellbeing, and confidently pursue their dreams.
This activity was made possible through the generous financial support of the Zambian Governance Foundation.
Read On: https://thehealingbalmfoundation.org/equipping-learners-for-success/
