By Chinoyi Chipulu
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HESLB) has awarded 600 loans to first-year students at Mukuba University for the 2024/2025 academic year out of the 1,218 eligible applicants.
And HELSB manager – corporate communications Chiselwa Kawanda stated that it was unfortunate that the authority did not receive any applications from persons with disabilities.
In a statement, Kawanda stated that persons living with disabilities should not be disadvantaged as the board sponsors all Zambians.
“HELSB is currently supporting a total of 1,761 students at Mukuba University in Kitwe. The board received a total of 1,378 applications, out of which 1,218 applicants are eligible, and 160 are ineligible for sponsorship,” she stated.
Kawanda stated that out of the 1,378 applicants, 755 were male, while 623 were female, representing 55 percent and 45 percent, respectively.
“Of the total applicants, 774 are from rural districts, while 604 are from urban districts, representing 56 percent and 44 percent, respectively. Further, out of the 1,218 eligible applicants, 669 are male, while 549 are female, representing 55 percent and 45 percent, respectively,” she stated.
Kawanda also stated that out of the 1,218 eligible applicants, 682 are from rural districts, while 536 are from urban districts, representing 56 percent and 44 percent, respectively.
“Unfortunately, this academic year, we did not receive any applications from persons with disabilities. However, we encourage applicants living with disabilities to apply so they can also be sponsored,” stated Kawanda.
