LUWINGU - More than 45 parents in Kuuta Village in Luwingu District have returned to the classroom after electricity supplied by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) made it possible for the community to conduct adult literacy lessons at night.
For years, many parents in the area had been unable to attend classes because Kuuta Primary School had no electricity, making evening lessons practically impossible.
However, the completion of the K19.5 million Tungati Grid Extension Project has transformed the once-dark school into an evening classroom for adults seeking a second chance at education.
Kuuta Primary School Head Teacher Nicholas Mainza said the school had enrolled 45 adult learners, comprising 25 women and 20 men, who are now attending literacy classes after normal school hours.
"Many parents wanted to go back to school, but it was impossible because we had no electricity to conduct lessons at night. Today, because Government through REA has brought power to our school, parents are coming back to learn," he said.
Mr. Mainza said the electrification project had not only opened opportunities for adult learners but had also created new opportunities for the school's 650 pupils.
He said the school would now introduce practical computer lessons after years of teaching the subject mainly through theory because the computers could not be used without electricity.
"We have computers at the school, but they have not been fully utilised because there was no power. Now our learners will finally begin learning computer studies practically," Mr. Mainza said.
He added that seven teachers' houses had also been connected to electricity, allowing teachers to prepare lessons and supervise school activities beyond normal school hours.
Mr. Mainza urged the Government to continue extending electricity to rural schools, saying many communities still faced similar challenges.
"So, actually, it's a big plus for the Government. We encourage them to continue with the same spirit and ensure more schools are connected to electricity," he said.
The Tungati Grid Extension Project, commissioned in March 2026, has also connected more than 30 Government institutions and 596 households to the national electricity grid.
The project involved the construction of 29.212 kilometres of 33kV overhead power lines from the 11/33kV, 500kVA GMT substation, as well as 10.772 kilometres of 400V overhead lines.
REA has also commissioned the Menga and Isandulila Grid Development Projects in Luwingu District at costs of K5.18 million and K2.88 million, respectively, over the past five years.
Beyond education, increased access to electricity is expected to stimulate economic activity in Kuuta and surrounding areas, with residents looking to establish businesses such as welding workshops, hammer mills, salons, barber shops, poultry projects, shops and entertainment centres.
Source: Kalemba | By: George Musonda