Since the beginning of 2024, 894 students have been supported in tertiary education
CAMFED Zambia, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a transformative initiative to enhance digital literacy and academic performance among young women from marginalized communities pursuing tertiary education.
As part of this, 387 students enrolled in institutions of higher learning across the country have been provided with laptops. This milestone is part of a broader support package for 894 tertiary students, focused on ensuring equitable access to quality education.
“Before receiving the laptop, I faced significant challenges in my studies. I struggled to access online academic resources, research materials, and e-books, which are essential for university education. Completing assignments was also difficult, as many require digital tools like word processing and spreadsheets. This laptop will transform my learning experience, giving me access to a wide range of academic resources, including online lectures, journals, e-books, and research papers.”
Mellan Mushibwe, a CAMFED supported student pursuing a degree in Primary Education at Chalimbana University, Zambia
As the Ministry of Education, we remain committed to creating an environment where every student, regardless of their background, has the tools and support they need to succeed. We will continue to work closely with partners like CAMFED to ensure that education remains the cornerstone of our nation’s progress.Mr. Joel Kamoko, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary - Education Services in the Ministry of Education, speaking at the laptop presentation ceremony
The laptop presentation ceremony follows the global announcement of CAMFED’s next phase of its long-standing collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. Together, the organizations will enable girls to attend and thrive in secondary school and support the successful transition of 62,000 young women across Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Malawi into tertiary studies, employment and entrepreneurship. The strategic partnership will also bolster government partnerships, in order to transform education systems to better serve the needs of all students, especially the most vulnerable girls.
Learn more about the new six-year partnershipAs part of its investment in girls and young women, CAMFED works holistically to break down the barriers that they face to accessing and completing education. Students from marginalized communities encounter many challenges at tertiary level—including the cost of food, essentials, and safe accommodation—so CAMFED steps in with both practical and social support.
The provision of laptops is enabling young women to access learning resources, connect with the global academic community, and succeed in an increasingly digital world. Importantly, this initiative ensures that students are not left behind in the digital transformation.
Since the beginning of 2024, 894 students have benefited from CAMFED’s tertiary education support program, paving the way for a future filled with skilled professionals, including healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, teachers, social workers, engineers, and more, who will drive positive change in their communities.
I’m Mwangala, Programs Manager at CAMFED Zambia and member of the CAMFED Association of women leaders. I am testimony of the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities.
Being a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher is an enriching experience. I’m able to bolster confidence in students and encourage them that anything is possible—just like my teachers gave me confidence when I was in school.
Education is a basic human right regardless of gender. I am going to continue supporting girls’ education by spreading awareness and lobbying for a change of mindsets in our communities.
Margaret Monaghan $10.9
Helen Lea $157
Julia Thompson $100
Joan Goldfeder $211
Bonnie Riggins $10.9
Michael Higgins $13
Cheryl Johnson $5.6
Amy Casciano $10.9
Valerie Turner £40
joyce Davidson $16.1
FRANK BAUDINO $26.6
Markus Rockström €37.2
Chiara Starvaggi Cucuzza €37.2
Bonnie Hollrah $52.9
Karen Thomas $158
When she thrives, we all thrive
Together this giving season, we can make a difference that ripples outward to benefit everyone.
