About Us

The Mary Fulano Foundation exists to empower young orphan ladies and Zambian women to pursue an education and create better lives for themselves. Apply or donate today!

Mary Fulano

Biography of Honorable
Mary Chilubi Fulano

Mary Chilubi Fulano was born on September 25, 1946 in Mkushi, Central province, Zambia. She was the first born child to Webster Fulano and Jenia Chipindi. Mary Fulano began her political career at the very tender age of 18. She was a freedom fighter, working alongside other men and women in the struggle for Zambia’s independence.

Popularly known as Mama Mary Fulano, she served in UNIP for many years under the leadership of Zambia’s first President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, first on the local/regional level and then in May 1971 at age 25, she was elected Member of the Central Committee (M.C.C), the highest policy-making body in the nation at that time, where she served, in the following capacities: Member of Central Committee for Central Province and Luapula Province.

Mary also served as a Member of Central Committee and Chairperson for Youth and Sports, and a Member of the Central Committee and Chairperson of the Women’s league. A fierce UNIP loyalist, she remained in the party until her death in May 1997. Recognized as a heroine and a freedom fighter, she received many awards. Including some posthumously; The Companion Order of Freedom Award 2nd division (2004), The Gold Medal (2006), The Julia Chikamoneka Award (2007), and many others.

Our Mission

Mary Fulano believed strongly in the importance of education, a topic she often brought up with the youth. Women empowerment, she said, began with early education for girls. Giving girls equal opportunities to education and employment would have a significant impact on the social and economic development of our nation. Like many other champions for girl education, she believed that the education of girls is one of the best investments a nation can make for its future.

“In 1975, women in Zambia have regained the spirit of nationalism that prevailed during the struggle for freedom, that as mothers and workers alike, they have a major role to play in forging ahead the gains of the revolution.

Without this spirit, the attainment of independence would have been delayed considerably. Having realized this fact, women all over Zambia are now more committed than ever before to accelerating national reconstruction by participating fully in the affairs and programs of action of our Mother Land.”