The Zambian Open University Student Union (ZAOUSU) meeting in Kitwe has established a student revolving fund that will support, by way of small interest free loans, fellow students who are vulnerable and need temporal relief to enable them take examinations by settling balances in tuition fees.

The Union members have collectively pledged an initial contribution of K13, 000.00 towards actualization of the fund and resolved to encourage former and existing students to join the campaign to raise funds by contributing as low as K20 to support vulnerable students and students at the risk of not taking examinations for failure to pay the required 100 percent in school fees.

ZAOUSU Information and Publicity Secretary Ackim Peter Banda says the union has noted that while Government has a responsibility of educating its citizens, students and Unions cannot sit and do nothing but provide leadership through making a contribution towards this responsibility.

Mr. Banda says the union believes that time has come for students and unions in the Universities to begin supporting each other and complement government efforts of educating the nation

He says the union resolved to engage in fundraising and income generation activities whose proceeds shall go towards the Student Revolving Fund and has since called on well-wishers from within the country and abroad to provide assistance towards the Revolving Fund.

He adds that the union has since constituted a 5-member Committee led by the Union Vice President, Maxwell Chisase, three Union members and one Member of Staff to be nominated by the University to develop the criteria for identifying students who need the support and all operational needs.

The Student Union of ZAOU was recently elected and has been on a working visit to Solwezi, Kabwe and Kitwe Regional Centers to interact with students, share concerns and find solutions to some of the problems facing the University and the Student populace.

The Union intends to meet the Board of Directors, Management and the University Senate to discuss some of the problems in the regional centers and offer solutions.

And Union President Sam Mazaka says students will be allowed to borrow from the fund without any interest.