Mpika Constituency Member of Parliament Francis Kapyanga has urged Government to extend the provision of bursaries and meal allowances to students attending private universities and colleges across the country as well.
Mr. Kapyanga notes that currently, the Government’s bursary and meal allowance programme only covers students attending public universities and this leaves out thousands of students attending private institutions.
The lawmaker adds that the high cost of tuition and living expenses makes it difficult for many students to attend such institutions, especially those from low-income families like youths in Mpika.
Mr. Kapyanga says the exclusion is unfair, discriminatory and undermines the Government’s efforts to promote equal access to education for all and he has urged Government to urgently take action on the matter in working with private institutions to ensure that the process of accessing bursaries and meal allowances is transparent and fair.
