Kasama Girls Boarding Secondary School has launched the maize planting exercise under the Presidential Irrigation Initiative (PII).
Speaking during the official launch of the exercise, Ministry of Education Director In-charge of Secondary Schools Yvonne Chulu said the initiative is a significant milestone, in ensuring food security and achieving the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Ms Chulu said the initiative will empower learners with lifetime knowledge and skills in agricultural production.
“Taking part in this planting of maize is not just for fun, but our pupils are learning skills that they can use in later life, they can manage to cultivate and manage a field,” she explained
She further urged the girls to take agriculture production skills seriously.
And Northern Province Education Officer Mulambwa Nawa said the education sector is poised to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the 10 million metric tonnes of maize target under Grow Zambia Agenda.
Mr Nawa has described the Presidential Irrigation Initiative as a life-changing experience for pupils.
He also noted that the initiative will help schools raise funds from maize sales for various operation needs.
“Our pupils are now contributing to the Food basket while learning something about farming at a personal level,” he said.
“Whatever proceeds will be realised from this, the school can buy learning and teaching materials as well as meet other needs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kasama Girls Boarding Secondary School Headteacher Michael Chinika said the Presidential Irrigation Initiative has enabled both teachers, and pupils to appreciate agriculture production skills.
Mr Chinika further underscored the need to recognise the agriculture sector as an economic game-changer.
And speaking on behalf of pupils, Angel Mate said pupils are happy to participate in the Grow Zambia Agenda through the maize production.
Kasama Girls Secondary School is one of the 36 schools in Northern Province funded under the Presidential Irrigation Initiative to plant one hectare of maize.
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