Education remains an important driver of socioeconomic transformation, and sustained investment in learning institutions will play a critical role in shaping the future of communities, Tinderet MP Julius Melly has said.
Speaking on Monday during the Prayer Day and Annual General Meeting at Chebarus Senior School, the legislator underscored the need for learners, parents, teachers and other education stakeholders to work together in raising academic standards, saying quality education remains the most effective tool for fighting poverty and unlocking economic opportunities.
Melly said education equips young people with knowledge, skills and values that enable them to become productive members of society, adding that communities that prioritize learning are better positioned to achieve sustainable development.
“The future of our constituency depends on the quality of education we provide to our children today. Every learner who succeeds academically becomes a valuable resource to the family, the community and the nation. Education remains the surest path to transforming lives and creating lasting prosperity,” he said.
The National Assembly Education Committee chairperson challenged students to remain disciplined and focused on their studies as they prepare for national examinations, noting that hard work, determination and good character are essential ingredients for success.
He urged parents to take a more active role in supporting their children’s education by providing a conducive learning environment at home and closely monitoring their academic progress.
According to Melly, improving education standards requires collective responsibility among parents, teachers, school management boards, religious leaders and government institutions.
He commended teachers for their dedication in nurturing learners despite the challenges facing the education sector, saying their contribution remains indispensable in building a knowledgeable and competitive society.
Melly observed that investments in education should go beyond constructing classrooms and other physical facilities to include nurturing innovation, creativity, critical thinking and practical skills that prepare learners for an increasingly dynamic labour market.
He said the government continues to implement reforms aimed at improving access to quality education while strengthening institutions to meet the demands of the Competency-Based Education system and the country’s development agenda.
The MP linked quality education to broader socioeconomic development, arguing that an educated population is better placed to embrace modern agricultural technologies, establish successful enterprises and attract investments that create employment opportunities.
“When our young people acquire quality education and practical skills, they become innovators, professionals, entrepreneurs and responsible citizens capable of driving economic growth. That is why investing in education is ultimately an investment in the future prosperity of our constituency,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting schools through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, noting that the fund has continued to finance the construction of classrooms, laboratories, tuition blocks and other infrastructure while providing bursaries to needy students.
The MP said such investments are aimed at creating an environment where every learner has an opportunity to realize his or her full academic potential regardless of economic background.
The legislator also encouraged students to embrace technical and vocational education alongside university training, saying the country requires a skilled workforce capable of supporting industrialization and expanding employment opportunities.
He further appealed to learners to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for authority, observing that academic excellence should be accompanied by sound moral values.
Melly said schools remain important centres for nurturing responsible citizens who will contribute positively to national development and strengthen social cohesion.
Religious leaders called on learners to remain steadfast in prayer while pursuing academic excellence, saying spiritual growth complements discipline and hard work in achieving success.
School administration expressed appreciation for continued support towards improving learning facilities, saying enhanced infrastructure has created a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Parents pledged to strengthen collaboration with teachers and school management in supporting learners, expressing confidence that collective efforts would continue improving academic performance at the institution.
By Sammy Mwibanda
