The education sector is among the most critical sectors for growth and development of a nation. Unfortunately, it is also among the lest priorities among government. For a developing nation such as Zambia, the improvement of the fragile education system is responsibility of not only the government but also of the local businessmen and companies.
While establishments, colleges and universities do have their own internal award systems for persuading the students, these awards and acknowledgments are of higher importance when they are acknowledged by the business and improve the general estimation of the field. One such award is the Steven Malama grant for the law students from ZIALE (Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education). This award is given to the top graduating student from the establishment, after qualifying for the bar. The award was set up by Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Zambia. Dr. Rajan Mahtani set up this award in memory of the late Steven Malama who was a visionary in the field of Zambian Law.
Since its conceptualization in 2012 and initiation in 2013, the Steven Malama grant has given open doors for a many deserving students to exhibit their ability, aptitudes and enthusiasm by winning this award. Simultaneously, the award framework has improved the nature of education and the commitment of the students who all are anxious to win this honor. ZIALE is presently considered as one of the top law schools in Zambia. The Steven Malama grant conveys a plaque and a money prize worth K15,000, which is another significant inspiration for law students from the institute to work more diligently.