Zim embassy in Zambia works on students database
Story by Abigirl Tembo
THE Zimbabwean embassy in Zambia is in the process of updating its database of Zimbabwean students studying in the neighbouring country to ensure easy coordination.
An estimated 10 000 Zimbabwean students are studying at various universities and colleges in Zambia and Zimbabwe‘s top envoy to the country, Ambassador Charity Charamba is encouraging the students and their guardians to check-in with the embassy to ensure their well-being during their study period.
“As the embassy, we have witnessed several Zimbabwean students who are coming to learn in Zambian institutions which is quite good because Zambia and Zimbabwe we enjoy cordial relations and we have exchange programmes.
“We also have the President‘s sponsorship programme known as the ED UNZA scheme, where we have students at the University of Zambia. There are other universities where we have Zimbabweans and of late we have noticed an increase in the number of students that are coming into Zambia, but what I want to urge parents and guardians out there is that whenever your child is coming to learn in a foreign land, please be interested to know where are they going to be staying, do they have accommodation. Secondly, are their permits in order?
“We must also be informed as the embassy that you have your children coming to learn here because when they are here we are their mothers and fathers, we represent the interest of all Zimbabweans here so if there are any challenges they should know where to find us,” she said.
She added, ” At times we do interact with the students and they inform us of various challenges that they face. Some of the challenges we can assist, but as parents and students, we also want you to know the recommended schools here in Zambia.”
Ambassador Charamba added that the embassy’s doors are open to every Zimbabwean staying in Zambia, calling on Zimbabweans to take advantage of the COMESA free trade area and the COMESA simplified trade facility to boost their businesses.
