The Swansea –Siavonga Partnership is committed, as part of its work, to furthering the education of young people in Siavonga, Zambia. A positive way of doing this is through its recently launched school scholarship scheme which gives young people, who have the potential to achieve a good standard of education, the opportunity to stay in school and eventually progress to college and university and gain meaningful employment in the future.

The scholarship scheme launched in February this year aims to support the education of achieving orphaned children that will enable them to fulfil their potential and generate income to sustain their families. At the launch, Pentrehafod School in Swansea presented a cheque to support two children for 2 years at Matuwa School who are part of the Swansea - Siavonga Schools Linking Programme.

Our partners in Siavonga are entrusted with the selection of the children to be awarded a scholarship, however the Partnership require that certain criteria are used in selection. Some examples are :

• that the child be completely orphaned or the daughter of a widow and the mother is willing to accept a scholarship on the terms and conditions established by SSP;
• that the child is of school going age, demonstrates good behaviour and shows interest and ability if already in school. The teachers and head of the school should confirm that financial support will be of benefit and would not be wasted if used on this child;
• that support should be provide on basis of need irrespective or religion or gender.

 Child Scholarship covers provision of the following items:

• fees, including any exceptional fees;
• School books;
• Consumables, including stationery, pens, etc.; school uniforms, coats, sweaters and shoes;
• School bag or satchel;
• Special school trips or other events as organised by the school.

Supporting the education of children is important so that that they can achieve their full potential in life through access to good secondary schools in their communities and where possible go on to University or other education. You can make a difference to the life of a fatherless child or orphan in Africa.

• £20 each month for one year will provide school education, school items and enough for one meal a day for the child.
• £25 per month will help pay University fees and cost of living for a student.
• £30 each month would support a teacher in a community school.

The Swansea – Siavonga Partnership Scholarship Scheme forms part of the Summer programme that gives students the opportunity to spend a summer in Zambia working on the partnership and helping to build relationships across cultures. 

The new promotional video can be accessed via this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LMbfw-9T4k

Picture 1: Swansea University volunteer Discovery student in Siavonga

Picture 2: Swansea –Siavonga Partnership Scholarship Scheme launch. Two pupils from  Pentrehafod School, Christine Watson Discovery Manager and Linda Stratts, Deputy Head of Pentrehafod School presenting their cheque.

• Swansea University part funds Discovery which is a registered charity that has been established since 1966. They currently have around 300 volunteers who are busy getting involved in over 40 voluntary projects all over the city! The organisation envisages a community where people are treated as equals and are not discriminated against or disadvantaged by society.
  
  
• The Swansea - Siavonga partnership, established in 2008 aims to build relationships across different cultures and maximise income generation through sharing experiences and learning, supporting children through education and making the best use of the environment to improve health through nutrition.