From Long Walks to New Opportunities: Residents Welcome Mutinta Hichilema School

By Daily News Reporter

Lusaka, May 2026 — For a 17-year-old Alice Mwenya, the opening of the new Mutinta Hichilema School is more than just a new set of classrooms — it is the chance to dream bigger.

Alice, who lives in a nearby community, had been walking nearly 10 kilometers each day to attend classes at an overcrowded school. With the new facility donated by United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Wonderful Group, she says her journey to learning has been transformed.

Speaking to Daily News in an interview in Lusaka West at Zambia National Service Safari said “Before, I would leave home before sunrise and sometimes arrive late because of the long walk. Now, I can reach school in less than 20 minutes. I feel safe, and I have more time to study,” she said. 

And one of the mothers in same area Eunice, echoed the relief, noting that the school’s clinic and feeding programme will ease the burden on families. 

“We used to worry about our children walking long distances without food. Knowing they will eat at school and have a clinic nearby gives us peace of mind,” she said. 

The school features five classroom blocks, a science laboratory, a computer room, and a library, alongside a home economics and technical drawing block. For Alice, the prospect of learning in a science lab for the first time is thrilling.

“I want to be a doctor one day. Having a real laboratory makes me feel like that dream is possible,” she said. 

And Speaking during the official opening of the school Zambia’s First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, honoured with the school bearing her name, emphasized that the donation is not a personal accolade but a call to continue advocating for every child’s right to education. She highlighted her office’s initiatives, including the Autism and Special Needs Centre and scholarships for girls with disabilities, as part of a broader push for inclusivity. 

She also hailed the United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Wonderful Group for a milestone in advancing inclusive education,

She commended government for its free education policy, which has enabled more than two million learners to enter the school system since its introduction. She also praised the complementary school feeding programme, now reaching over four million learners across all districts.

“Our office will continue to complement Government efforts in providing education for all through inclusive education initiatives,” she said. 

Ms Hichilema highlighted her office’s initiatives, including the Mutinta Hichilema Autism and Special Needs Centre, which provides specialised care and dignity for children with autism and other disabilities. She also cited the Education Linda Programme, run in partnership with Merck Foundation and also an ambassador for Zambia, which has awarded 40 scholarships to girls with disabilities at Dagama Special School and Chepela Musonda Special School.