Florida Siakalima attains achievement supported by re-entry policy under New Dawn
MUKWENGU SHEPANDE Siavonga
GOVERNMENT’S Free Education Policy has continued to transform lives, with a 54-year-old woman in Siavonga District emerging with the highest marks at Kariba Primary School in last year’s Grade Seven examinations.
Florida Siakalima attained the achievement under Government’s free education and re-entry policies introduced by President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.
Mrs Siakalima was selected to Form One at David Kaunda Technical School in Lusaka, an uncommon but inspiring development for a woman of her age.
A mother of nine, Mrs Siakalima said her education was interrupted during her early teenage years due to financial challenges.
“At that time my parents could not afford school fees, and I later fell pregnant and got married, which forced me to completely stop my education,” she said.
Mrs Siakalima described her recent academic success as a dream come true and said it should serve as encouragement to both young learners and adults who feel it is too late to return to school.
“My achievement proves that age is not a barrier to education. What matters most is determination and hard work,” she said.
She said her husband, Bornwell Siakalima, was her main study partner, with additional support from her children, friends and teachers.
“My husband was my number-one study mate, and my daughters, teachers and friends also motivated me to keep going,” Mrs Siakalima said.
She expressed gratitude to the Government for the free education and re-entry policies, noting that they have enabled older citizens to fully participate in the education system.
Mr Siakalima expressed happiness over his wife’s success and pledged continued support to ensure she completed her education, describing education as the best equaliser in society.
Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo said the free education and re-entry policies have continued to empower many residents, adding that Mrs Siakalima’s achievement is a testament to the power of adult learning and its positive impact on individuals and communities.
