LUSAKA, Zambia – On 21 May, with support from the Mastercard Foundation, FAWE Zambia (FAWEZA) conducted the Extended Orientation Programme (EOP) for General Certificate of Education (GCE) participants across three tertiary institutions: the University of Zambia (UNZA), APEX University, and EDEN University. The programme was designed to equip learners with the practical knowledge and life skills necessary to successfully transition into tertiary education and to navigate university life with confidence and resilience.
The Extended Orientation Programme covered a comprehensive range of critical topics aimed at preparing students for both academic success and personal wellbeing. Key sessions addressed University Life, Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Career Mapping, Managing Change, and Mental Health Awareness. Each module was carefully developed to help learners build resilience, adapt to new and demanding environments, manage academic and social stress, and prioritize their mental and emotional health while pursuing their educational goals.
Recognizing that the transition from secondary to tertiary education can be particularly challenging for young women and girls from underserved communities, FAWEZA placed special emphasis on creating a supportive learning environment where participants could ask questions, share concerns, and develop practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles. The financial literacy and entrepreneurship components equipped students with foundational skills in budgeting, saving, and income generation, while career mapping sessions helped them articulate clear pathways from their current studies to meaningful employment or further training.
Through these engagements, FAWEZA continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to supporting young women and girls to become confident, resilient, financially aware, and future-ready leaders capable of contributing positively to Zambian society. The Extended Orientation Programme also served as a vital platform for reinforcing safeguarding protocols and institutional codes of conduct, ensuring that students understood their rights and responsibilities within the university environment. Mental health awareness sessions further normalized conversations around stress, anxiety, and wellbeing, encouraging students to seek help when needed and to support their peers. Participants left the orientation with not only enhanced practical skills but also a strengthened sense of belonging and purpose. By bridging the gap between secondary school and university life, FAWEZA’s EOP contributed directly to improved retention, academic performance, and holistic development for young women navigating higher education in Zambia.