ZAMBIA: The Diocese of Chipata Opens Nursing School at Lumezi St. Joseph Nursing School
In realizing one of the Key Result Areas in the Diocesan Strategic Plan 2017-2021 specifically on Health provision which states that … the Diocese shall endeavor to take Health Services as close as possible to the people, the Diocese has constructed a Nursing School which aims at supplementing government effort in training quality Health personnel.
In his address at the official opening of the Nursing School which was graced by the Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Bishop Benjamin Phiri said the Catholic Church in Chipata would like to take part in training nurses who are going to take care of the patients with care, dedication and the love of Christ.
He said the the nursing school in Lumezi will assist the girl child to have access to tertiary education, to reduce cases of child marriages, early pregnancies and other vices especially from the local community. The Church will aim to train nurses with the passion and zeal to serve the patients.
The Bishop also said the Church has constructed a girl’s dormitory, classroom and ablution blocks, adding that Diocese intends to upgrade the school into a Medical School to train Medical Licentiates and Medical Doctors.
He said the Church was grateful to the Kilimanjaro Sisters, the Republican President, the Local community, the Chief, The Diocese of Chipata and all people of good will who contributed generous towards the construction of the school. He paid tribute to the Sisters for their dedication and hard work.
The President thanked the Church for numerous developmental projects that she has undertaken in the Eastern Province. He said the Government appreciates the role the Church is playing in helping the poor to have access to medical assistance and care. He said the construction of Lumezi St. Joseph Nursing School will go a long way in training Nurses that will add value to the nursing profession.
The country is currently in need of nurses to serve in remote areas of our country. He promised that the government was going to do everything within its means to assist Lumezi St. Joseph Nursing School expand and grow. He urged the management to see to it that within the shortest possible time they start training Public Health Nurses.
The construction of the Nursing school started in the year 2015 and was completed last year and opened its doors to the first intake this year 2019. The Nursing School is under the Management of the Sisters of Kilimanjaro of Tanzania. It is found within the grounds of Lumezi Mission Hospital.
By Fr. Jacob Zulu, Diocesan Health Director-Chipata Diocese Zambia
