The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the world in commemorating the International Day of Education which falls on January 24th. This day holds great significance in the education calendar as it offers us an opportunity to reflect on education as a fundamental human right and its role in contributing to socio-economic development.
This year’s International Day of Education is being commemorated under the theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” This theme inspires us to reflect on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand, and influence technological advancements. It also explores how education can empower people to comprehend and guide artificial intelligence, ensuring they retain control over this transformative technology and direct it towards objectives that respect human rights and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s International Day of Education emphasizes education as a fundamental human right while raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings to learning. It is an opportunity to celebrate how AI is transforming education, while also reflecting on the support learners and teachers need to use this technology responsibly within the education sector.
According to research, artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the world, and education is no exception. This technology is being used to automate tasks, personalize learning, and create new educational experiences, leading to significant excitement about AI’s potential to transform education. However, there are also concerns about the ethical implications of AI in education and educational administration. ZANEC, therefore, recognizes the need for careful planning regarding the future of AI in education to ensure that it is used responsibly to improve education for all students, while also examining the new possibilities AI offers, particularly in teaching, learning, assessment, and educational administration.
ZANEC holds the view that it is crucial to implement the UNESCO AI competency frameworks for teachers and students fully. These frameworks guide educators on the use and potential misuse of AI in education. They also define the knowledge, skills, and values that teachers must acquire in the age of AI, while preparing learners to become responsible and creative citizens in this era.
In line with this year’s theme, ZANEC calls on the government to:
- Introduce an AI policy to guide schools and learners in the adoption and utilization of AI tools and technologies in learning.
- Promote the development of critical AI literacy by equipping educators and learners with the competencies needed to understand, use, and influence AI technologies, in alignment with the UNESCO AI competency frameworks for teachers and students.
- Improve ICT infrastructure and expand access to stable internet connectivity, enabling teachers and learners to effectively use AI tools and technologies
These recommendations are important because they promote learners’ and educators’ access to training on the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, enabling them to make informed decisions about its use in their learning.
Finally, ZANEC wishes all educators and learners a safe, happy, and successful commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Education.
For/ZANEC
George Hamusunga
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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