Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA)

27/07/2026

Congratulations, Loveness!

FAWEZA warmly congratulates Loveness Kosamu on successfully completing her General Agriculture programme at Lukashya Trades Institute, with support from the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Bursary Support Programme.

Loveness began her studies in 2024 and successfully completed her programme in April 2026, making her the first participant in Zambia under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Bursary Support Programme to graduate.

Beyond her academic journey, Loveness was also an active member of the Tuseme Club, where she built her confidence and self-esteem and learned the importance of making positive life choices and respecting herself and others.

Congratulations, Loveness! As the first graduate under the programme in Zambia, your achievement is a proud milestone for FAWEZA and an inspiration to other young people pursuing their education and dreams.

We are proud of you and wish you every success as you take the next step in your journey.

20/07/2026

GCE Remedial Learning Programme – Opening Doors to Opportunity for Every Learner

When Kennedy Mulenga lost his sight in 2020 while in Grade 7, he knew life would be different. What he did not know was that it would also reveal a new kind of strength.

Today, the 20-year-old is a participant in the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation GCE Remedial Learning Programme at the University of Zambia (UNZA). Rather than allowing his visual impairment to define his future, Kennedy learned Braille, embraced technology, and kept his dream of higher education alive.

As part of the programme, Kennedy also participated in the Extended Orientation Programme (EOP) , where he gained practical skills in financial literacy, decision-making, and navigating university life with confidence. The training helped him prepare not only for his academic journey but also for independent living.

When he is not studying, Kennedy enjoys exploring AI tools and learning new things on his phone. His curiosity has inspired him to pursue Networking and Information Technology, where he hopes to show that disability is not a barrier to succeeding in STEM.

For Kennedy, inclusion means more than access to education, it means having the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute alongside everyone else. He hopes his journey will encourage other young people with disabilities to believe in their potential and pursue careers in science and technology.

14/07/2026

FAWEZA continues to contribute to important conversations shaping the future of education at the ongoing IEA Expo 2026 in Addis Ababa

This afternoon, FAWEZA Executive Director, Mr. Costern Kanchele, joined an engaging plenary discussion on "Green Skills, Climate-Responsive TVET, and Education for Sustainable Economies." The session, moderated by FAWE Africa Deputy Executive Director Theresa Omondi-Adetain, brought together education leaders and practitioners to explore how education and skills development can equip young people to respond to climate challenges while building sustainable livelihoods.

The panel also featured Dr. Mwaka, FAWE/Mastercard Foundation GCE Remedial Learning Programme Focal Point Person at Mulungushi University, and David Kakumba, a FAWE/Mastercard Foundation TVET Bursary participant from Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES). Their contributions highlighted the value of partnerships and learner-centred approaches in preparing young people with the skills needed for a changing world.

At the exhibition, FAWEZA is showcasing innovative programmes that are transforming education. Senior Programmes Officer, Mr. Fabiano Mwanza, is presenting the Katla Carbon Project to delegates from across Africa, demonstrating how climate action can go beyond traditional approaches. The project supports increased access to secondary education for girls in climate-affected communities while promoting resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

14/07/2026

Meet Kakumba David – A Young Innovator participating at the AU Innovating Education in Africa (IEA) Expo 2026 in Ethiopia.
Kakumba David is aFAWE/Mastercard Foundation Programme participant at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES), where he is pursuing a Diploma in Electrical Technology.

David has distinguished himself as an outstanding young professional. In 2025, he represented Zambia at the World Vocational College Skills Competition (African Region) in the Electrical Technology category. The competition brought together participants from Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, where David proudly won the Silver Award, showcasing his technical excellence on the regional stage.

Today, David is taking another significant step by participating in the Innovating Education in Africa (IEA) Expo 2026, being held from 13–14 July 2026 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme:
"Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Education: Scaling Innovative Solutions for the AU Decade of Education and Skills 2025–2034."

As a panelist, David will share his experiences and perspectives on how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is equipping young people with the practical, digital, and green skills needed to drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and contribute to Africa's sustainable development.

14/07/2026

FAWEZA is participating in the Innovating Education in Africa (IEA) Expo 2026, taking place from 13–14 July 2026 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Held under the theme, "Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Education: Scaling Innovative Solutions for the AU Decade of Education and Skills 2025–2034," the Expo brings together policymakers, educators, innovators and development partners from across the continent to showcase transformative solutions that are shaping the future of education in Africa.

This afternoon, FAWEZA Executive Director, Mr. Costern Kanchele, will participate in a high-level panel discussion on "Green Skills: Climate-Responsive TVET and Education for Sustainable Economies." During the session, he will share insights on the vital role of education, technical and vocational training, and innovation in equipping young people with the green skills needed to build climate-resilient and sustainable economies across Africa.

Among the key initiatives he will highlight is the Katla Carbon Initiative, currently being implemented in Zambia. The initiative is expanding access to secondary education for girls in communities most affected by climate change while promoting environmental sustainability, resilience, and improved educational opportunities for vulnerable learners.

09/07/2026

03/07/2026

FAWEZA is proud to share that one of the participants under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme is representing Zambia at the 2nd Pan-African Conference on Girls' and Women's Education (PANCOGED II) in Burundi.

Hellen Mwandila, a student at Lukashya Trades Training Institute, is pursuing a course in General Agriculture. Through the programme, she is acquiring technical and entrepreneurial skills that are enabling her to build climate-resilient livelihoods, strengthen household food security, and contribute to economic resilience within her community.

Her participation at PANCOGED II reflects the power of investing in girls' and young women's education and skills development. We celebrate Hellen's achievement and wish her every success as she joins other young leaders, educators, and policymakers from across Africa to share experiences and shape the future of girls' and women's education on the continent.

02/07/2026

🌍📚 FAWE is at the 2nd Pan-African Conference on Girls' Education in Burundi! 🇧🇮

Today, we're co-hosting a side event on 🌱 Education in Emergency Settings & Climate Change.

🎙️ Join us to hear from Ms. Hellen Mwandila, a participant in the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme from Zambia. Currently pursuing General Agriculture at a trade institute, Hellen is using technical and entrepreneurial skills to build climate-resilient livelihoods that strengthen household food security and economic resilience. 🌾💚

🌟 Investing in girls' skills in agriculture is an investment in climate action, food security, and quality education. When families are food secure and economically resilient, girls are more likely to stay in school, complete their education, and thrive. 👩🏾‍🌾📖

🔗 Please note: The links to all side events are now available. Join the conversations virtually here: https://aupancoged.org/

Together, let's champion solutions that empower girls and build resilient communities. 💪🏾🌍

24/06/2026

17 institutions have convened in Lusaka for the Annual Mentors Meeting under the Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways Programme for marginalised young women and men.
The gathering brings together mentors and focal point persons from 12 TEVET institutions and five universities.
The three-day mentorship engagement aims to strengthen the capacity of mentors and focal point persons in inclusion and diversity competencies, with a focus on enhancing student support systems across both partner and non-partner institutions. The overall objective is to deepen knowledge and skills in promoting inclusive learning environments while equipping mentors to effectively support the academic, personal, and career development of students.
Today’s sessions focus on FAWE Models, as well as the design and operationalisation of safeguarding mechanisms, including the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse (PSEAH).

24/06/2026

At FAWEZA, we believe that empowering young people through STEM and technical skills development is key to building an inclusive and prosperous future.

During the Africa Public Service Day Commemoration held from 19th to 23rd June 2026 at the Piazza, East Park Mall under the theme, “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063,” two participants supported under the Mastercard Foundation TEVET Bursary Support Programme were selected to showcase their skills and innovations.

Chipo Gumbi, a Cohort 1 participant pursuing an Electrical Engineering Craft programme, and Keagen Phiri, a Cohort 2 participant studying Water Supply and Sanitation Operations at Lusaka Business and Technical College, demonstrated their practical competencies during a visit to the college exhibition stand by the Permanent Secretary for Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu.

Their participation is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are provided with equitable access to quality education, technical training, and opportunities to thrive. As aspiring STEM professionals, Chipo and Keagen are not only building their own futures but are also contributing to Zambia's development through innovation, problem-solving, and technical expertise.

We are proud to see Mastercard Foundation-supported participants excelling in fields that are shaping the future. Their achievements reaffirm the importance of investing in STEM and TEVET pathways that equip young people with the skills needed to drive sustainable development and transform their communities.

Congratulations, Chipo and Keagen, for representing Lusaka Business and Technical College with excellence and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.