Speak & Soar Begins Its Journey in Kasama
Today, 15th July 2026, marks an important milestone for Speak and Soar: Career Guidance for Zambia's Next Generation, a project under the Campus Leadership Initiative, one of the programs of THE FORGE.
Our team has had the privilege of conducting the project's first school engagement in Northern Province at Chiba Day Secondary School in Kasama District, where forty-one (41) Grade 12 learners are participating in an interactive session focused on life after Grade 12, career pathways, skills development, entrepreneurship and opportunity awareness.
The team is warmly received by the school's Guidance Department, which organised learners for what becomes a powerful learning and sharing experience.
Today's Facilitators
This afternoon's session is facilitated by:
🔹 Mr. Kaleo Tekela — Lead Ambassador, Kasama Chapter
🔹 Madam Monica Mwape — Lead Ambassador, Kasama Chapter
🔹 Madam Mary Mwale — Forge Ambassador
🔹 Mr. Lastins Luo — Forge Ambassador
Inside the Session
During the session, learners explore how to make informed career decisions based on their strengths, passions, interests, and abilities. They are introduced to the value of skills and vocational training and encouraged to appreciate technical careers as important and respectable pathways to success.
Learners also receive information about opportunities available through institutions and initiatives such as the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), CAMFED, Kasama Girls Secondary (KGS) opportunities, TEVET-accredited skills bursaries and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) skills programmes — many of which they are hearing about for the first time.
They are further challenged to think entrepreneurially, reflect honestly on their goals and ambitions, and begin intentionally planning for their futures.
Session 1 — Career Guidance & Wise Decision-Making · Kaleo Tekela
Mr. Kaleo Tekela opens the engagement with a comprehensive presentation on Career Guidance and Wise Decision-Making, emphasising the importance of understanding oneself before making career choices.
Learners are guided through the process of identifying their interests, talents, abilities, values and passions as the foundation for choosing suitable career paths. The session explores researching different professions, understanding university and college admission requirements, and aligning career choices with long-term goals rather than temporary trends or external influence.
"Your future is shaped by the decisions you make today. Choose wisely, prepare intentionally and pursue excellence."
Session 2 — Sponsorship Opportunities · Lastins Luo
Mr. Lastins Luo facilitates a session on Sponsorship Opportunities available to learners pursuing tertiary education and skills training.
Learners are introduced to institutions and organisations that provide scholarships, student loans and educational sponsorships — including HELSB, CAMFED, Kasama Girls Secondary (KGS) opportunities and other organisations supporting vulnerable and deserving students. Application procedures, eligibility requirements and the importance of academic performance, leadership and timely applications are all unpacked.
"Opportunities exist for those who prepare, apply and persevere."
Session 3 — Skills Development & Its Relevance · Mary Mwale
Madam Mary Mwale delivers an engaging presentation on Skills Development and the Relevance of Practical Skills in today's economy.
She explains that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in an increasingly competitive world, and encourages learners to complement their education with practical and vocational skills — computer literacy, entrepreneurship, tailoring, catering, driving, electrical installation, plumbing, agriculture and public speaking — that improve employability and open the door to entrepreneurship.
"Education gives you knowledge, but skills give you the ability to create opportunities for yourself and others."
Session 4 — Skills Opportunities · Monica Mwape
Madam Monica Mwape closes the engagement with a session focused on Skills Opportunities available to young people in Zambia — through TEVET institutions, CDF skills programmes and other youth-development pathways.
She encourages learners to take advantage of available training opportunities immediately after completing Grade 12 rather than remaining idle while waiting for university admission, and challenges common misconceptions surrounding vocational training.
"Every skill you acquire today becomes an opportunity tomorrow."
A Key Observation from Today
One of the most significant observations from today's engagement is the limited awareness among many learners regarding opportunities available after Grade 12.
The challenge facing many young people is not a lack of ambition or potential. Too often, it is a lack of information, exposure, and access.
That is precisely why Speak & Soar exists.
Report Summary
School: Chiba Day Secondary School
District: Kasama District
Province: Northern Province
Date: 15th July 2026
Time: 15:00–16:00 Hours
Learners Reached: 41 Grade 12 Learners
THE FORGE Ambassadors Present: Kaleo Tekela (Lead Ambassador), Monica Mwape (Lead Ambassador), Mary Mwale (Ambassador), Lastins Luo (Ambassador).
The Journey Continues
With Kasama now officially on the map, Speak & Soar continues its national journey — school by school, learner by learner — ensuring that every young Zambian, regardless of location or background, has access to mentorship, opportunity and hope for a brighter future.
"Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Speak & Soar exists to help close that gap."