158 Students graduate under Fred M’membe Literacy and Agroecology Campaign

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By Esther Mwananshiku

THE Socialist Party under the Fred M’membe Literacy and Agroecology Campaign has offloaded a total of 158 students that underwent training in literacy and agroecology.

The students drawn from townships across Lusaka were handed over certificates to signify the qualification attained in the six months training in literacy and agroecology.

Almost 180 days ago, the beneficiaries of the programme did not know how to read, write and speak Zambia’s official language – English.

“The women now are able not only to read and write but also speak English and this will enable them defend themselves when faced with challenges, as was demonstrated by a selected few that volunteered to read the scripts which they themselves originated.” a worried but elated Dr. M’membe, speaking as Socialist Party President explained within earshot of General Secretary (GS) and First Vice President Dr. Cosmas Masheke Musumali and General Treasurer (GT) and Second Vice President Dr. Chris Ngenda Mwikisa.

Dr. M’membe added that for a nation to go forward its citizens need to know how to read, write and speak the official language, which in Zanbia’s case in point is English.

Comrade M’membe said the Socialist Party is on a massive campaign against the vices of illiteracy and will do anything possible to remove the people from the ‘York of Slavery’, entrenched by callous capitalists.

And speaking at the same function, Socialist Party Deputy President Dr. Musumali said, the Fred Mmembe Literacy and Agroecology Campaign is aimed at alleviating poverty among the women and fighting climate change.

Dr. Musumali further said, the Socialist Party believes that the highest peak is when the knowledge has reached all the people, regardless of one social status and geographical location.

“Those who know how to read and write have a duty to teach those who cannot.” He said.

Comrade Musumali regretted that about 1.2 million people in Zambia are illiterate; as they can not read or write.

“These people have the responsibility to bring up children in a responsible manner, but how can they do that? Or how can they help their children with homework? It is very difficult for parents to get involved in their children’s education, if they themselves do not just know the importance of education but worse off are illiterate, ” Cde. Musumali explained.

And Blaster Mundi, who is charge of agroecology, observed that the Zambia is facing myriad teething challenges, climate and diseases that have continued to weigh down the people of Zambia, to name by two.

Mr. Mundi recollected the Socialist Party was holding a Second Literacy and Agroecology Campaign to empower women with knowledge on the causes of claimate change and how to end it.

And Elizabeth Conceicao, a partner from Brazil said, “When the people fail to understand the causes of poverty and diseases woe, this burden will lead to acute suffering.

“It is for this reason why the Fred M’membe Literacy and Agroecology Campaign was formulated,” she explained.
Conceicao reiterated that Education is the key to achieve this objective of creating a civilized nation.

“When the people know how to read and write, they will also know how to fight for their rights and will kick out poverty,” Comrade Musumali concluded.

One beneficiary of the programme Ester Banda said the object on the FCB Literacy Campaign is to empower the people with the knowledge.

Course Facilitator, Conceicao, from Brasil’s Land Less Movement (MST), a group of peasants fighting for land, agrarian reform, social transformation and education,

“It is our understanding that if our people do not know how to read and write, if they not understand the causes of their oppression, they cannot fight against their oppressors.
To achieve social transformation and build a new society, we need a literate people. That is why, in 37 years of struggle, the MST has enabled 100, 000 people in Brazil to become literate.
Congratulations to the Socialist Party of Zambia for launching a National Campaign of Literacy and Agroecology as a correct and brave priority,” said Ms. Conceicao.

Noted Conceicao: “This is a very historical moment for this team and I to witness a second stream of graduates
We have to complete all classes in place and mobilize hundreds more now in 2022!”

Addressing a few teachers Comrade Conceicao quoted Paulo Freire: “Education is an act of love. It is therefore an act of courage”.

Stressed Conceicao: “Learner’s, today, is your day! You must be very proud of yourselves! Your children, your wives, your husbands, your family, is very proud of you! Your community is proud of you!  You need to keep studying and learning in order to build a better Zambia for all Zambians!
Caption: 158 Students 2nd Graduation Fred M’membe Literacy and Agroecology Campaign by Dr. M’membe, and Ist Veep Dr. Cosmas Masheke Musumali and 2nd Veep Dr. Chris Ngenda Mwikisa MST’s Elizabeth Conceicao Socialist Party Secretariat, off Lumumba Road, Lusaka Saturday, 12th February, 2022