182 Youths Awarded FAWEZA TVET Bursaries Under Inclusive Education Programme
The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has announced 182 successful candidates for the 2026 Cohort 3 intake under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) bursary programme.
The initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation through FAWE Africa, forms part of a seven-year programme aimed at expanding access to tertiary education, skills development, and employment opportunities for marginalised young women and men across Africa.
According to FAWEZA Executive Director, Costern Kanchele, the programme targets young people aged 17 to 25 who have completed secondary education but require additional academic support to transition into tertiary studies, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
For the 2026 intake, FAWEZA received 824 applications, representing a 7.85 per cent increase from 764 applications in 2025. Of these, 569 applicants (69 per cent) were female, while 255 (31 per cent) were male. The pool also included 53 refugees and 30 persons with disabilities, underscoring the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Mr Kanchele said the selection process was rigorous and transparent, involving District, Provincial and National Selection Committees comprising representatives from the Ministry of Education, Social Welfare, the Church, Constituency Development Committees, FAWEZA alumni, partner institutions, the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, UNHCR, and CAMFED.
“Your selection is a testament to your resilience, determination, and potential. This opportunity is not only a pathway to education and skills development but also a foundation for transforming your lives and contributing meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He added that FAWEZA remains committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind in accessing education and opportunities.
Successful candidates have been advised to report to their respective institutions for further guidance on enrolment and programme commencement.
The bursary programme continues to play a key role in promoting gender equality and expanding access to education, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups, in line with Zambia’s broader development goals.
