KAFUE – UCZ KAFUE BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL: 13/02/2026- The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has honoured Mr. Emmanuel Chileshe, Head Teacher of UCZ Kafue Boys Secondary School, with a Meritorious Award in recognition of his outstanding service and lasting contribution to the Church and the institution.
The ceremony, held on 13th February 2026 at Kafue Boys Secondary School, brought together Church leaders, members of staff, pupils and invited guests in celebration of a man whose leadership was described as transformational.
Speaking during the event, UCZ Education Secretary Mr. Darius Mumba said the Church deliberately chose to honour Mr. Chileshe while he is still serving.
“We have come to honor what Chileshe has done for the Church and the school. We do not want to thank Mr. Chileshe when he has left, so we decided to honor him while he is still living,” Mr. Mumba said.
He noted that Mr. Chileshe has served in UCZ institutions including Sefula and Kafue Boys Secondary School. During his tenure at Kafue Boys, he spearheaded major infrastructure and development projects such as the installation of a solar power system, construction of two 10,000-litre capacity water tanks, rehabilitation of four dormitories, sinking of a commercial borehole, and refurbishment of staff toilets at the administration block.
Meanwhile, the Education Secretary highlighted the growth of the school’s piggery project, which expanded from two pigs to 26 pigs under Mr. Chileshe’s leadership, describing it as a sign of prudent management and innovation.
Speaking at the same event, UCZ General Secretary Rev. Dr. Chipasha Musaba said while the day focused on Mr. Chileshe, the success being celebrated was collective.
“While we are here to celebrate Mr. Emmanuel Chileshe, we recognize that all of us here have been part of this success,” Rev. Dr. Musaba said.
He described Kafue Boys as an emblem of the UCZ mission.
“This is the only place where we are training boys. Out of this place come many great people who are sent into the world,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Musaba further observed that the high demand for places at the school at the beginning of each year is evidence of the institution’s strong leadership and performance.
“That is a sign that you are putting in your very best. We would like to commend you and salute you. You have made your contribution and left indelible marks that cannot be rubbed off,” he said.
In attendance were UCZ Administrative Secretary Prof. Alivetti Mwale, Finance Secretary Ms. Nzala Mumbuluma, and Information, Communication and Technology Secretary Rev. Mwelwa Mofya, among other Church officials.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Chileshe expressed gratitude to the Synod and Church leadership for recognizing his service as he prepares for retirement.
“I accept this Meritorious Award. I want to thank Synod for facilitating such awards to deserving individuals who are serving the Church well,” he said.
He dedicated the award to members of staff, stating that their commitment has been key to the school’s success.
“This dedicated team you are seeing here can perform wonders. In the past six years we have been recording 100 percent pass rates at both Grade 9 and Grade 12,” he said.
Mr. Chileshe also reflected on his service at UCZ Sefula Secondary School from 2017 to 2024 and thanked the Church for the opportunity to serve faithfully.
“UCZ my Church, your Church, our Church. I thank you,” he concluded.
The ceremony ended with applause and celebration, marking a significant moment of appreciation for a head teacher whose contribution to UCZ education will be remembered for years to come.