By RABECCA CHIPANTA –

TRUE to the adage that says ‘Good education is the foundation for a better future,’ investing in a child’s education from a tender age is one way of securing their future.’
The Catholic Church last year opened the first ever primary boarding school for girls in Masaiti District on the Copperbelt with the hope of preparing young girls for the future.
Headmistress of the Franciscan Girls Primary Boarding School, Sister Victoria Mwaba says the institution aims at instilling good values in the children and prepares them for the future.
Sr Mwaba says the school which was opened last year in May, currently has over 60 pupils in grades five and six.
She said pupils are usually interviewed when they reach grade four to qualify for admission to the all-girls school.
“From last year to date, we have 62 pupils. In our first intake we had 30 but now the number has increased. We only enroll girls in grade five as the school will run from grade five to seven as of next year.  The current crop of grade six pupils will be the first grade sevens next year as we do not enroll grade sevens from outside,” she explained.
Sr Mwaba said the primary school is open to the public and admission is based on merit regardless of their religious affiliation.
She explained that though admission is not restricted to Catholics only, the school aims at preparing girls to qualify to Catholic secondary schools.
When asked about some of the challenges she faces in running a school for young girls, Sr Mwaba explained that most girls adapt to their new environment with a few exceptions but the school has a programme to counsel them.
“When they come during the first week, we usually have challenges as they miss home but once they adapt they fit in well with their friends and become comfortable. We have a bit of a challenge with some but we usually counsel them.
“We try to make them as comfortable as possible through extra curricular activities such as, singing and parties which they host. They also have sporting activities to keep them busy,” she said.
Apart from extra curricular activities the girls have a strict study routine which they follow to ensure that their school work is not affected.
One other way the school ensures that the girls feel at home, is by providing a good diet with foods they would usually have at home and also allowing them to talk to their parents on the phone.
“Parents are allowed to call during week-ends between 13 hours and 15 hours and are allowed visitation twice a term,” she explained.
Sr Mwaba urged parents of young girls wishing to secure their children’s future to consider enrolling them at the school.
“Most parents are skeptical to bring their children here but I can assure them this is a good environment for them. We have had some parents coming to confess to us that they were hesitant before but their daughters have now adapted so well,” she said.