ZANEC

Author: ZANEC

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION 2025

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION 2025

    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

  • Zambia National Education Coalition Job Advert – Project Officer

    Zambia National Education Coalition Job Advert – Project Officer

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Job Advert – Project Officer

  • Press Statement on the Grade 12 School and Teacher Education Examination Results for 2024

    Press Statement on the Grade 12 School and Teacher Education Examination Results for 2024

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased with the statement by the Minister of Education, Honorable Douglas Syakalima made on 18th January 2025 during the release of the 2024 Grade 12 School and Teacher Education Examination Results.

    ZANEC would like to congratulate the Ministry of Education on the efficient release of the Grade 12 results as it will allow those who did not do well to register for the 2025 external examinations before the registration deadline of 28th February 2025. It is progressive that there was an increase of 3.83 % of candidates who registered for the grade 12 examination in 2024 compared to 2023. It is good that yet again the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) successfully conducted the school certificate examination to candidates in South Africa for the third year running. We have also observed that the statement in the second year has included the Teacher Education Examination Results for the Teacher’s Diploma in three programmes: Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary. The continued training of teachers by colleges is good.

    We further applaud and thank the Ministry of Education for conducting examinations free of leakages at both Grade 12 School Certificate and Teacher Education Diploma levels as this will render credibility to the quality of our school leavers and college graduates being produced. It is, however, unfortunate that during the School Certificate examination, a total of 130 suspected examination malpractice cases were reported compared to 31 cases reported in 2023. We are concerned that whole centres cases had a total of 1,165 candidates involved in malpractice during the grade 12 examinations. Stringent measures need to be put in place to bring an end to malpractices during examinations. We therefore also commend the government for withholding the results of the affected candidates pending investigations.

    We are also concerned that the number of candidates who registered for Grade 12 examinations who were absent has increased from 3,093 in 2023 to 3, 418 in 2024 representing an increase of 9.5%.

    ZANEC is therefore recommending that:

    1. As directed by the Minister of Education during the presentation of 2023 Grade 12 examination results, the Ministry should prioritize conducting research to generate evidence on the differences in results across gender in order to put measures that will foster equitable results for boys and girls.
    2. Yet again we are disappointed that the Ministry of Education has not highlighted the percentage mean scores recorded in the various subjects for examination candidates, as they were doing in the past when releasing examination results. As ZANEC we are of the view that such an analysis is important as it was done to enable the Ministry of Education to take appropriate remedial measures for the subjects where candidates were not performing well.
    3. As promised by the government, it is important that the Examinations Council of Zambia generates research evidence on the reasons why so many candidates simply register but fail to sit for examinations. Such evidence can help the government devise effective strategies for addressing the problem as having 3, 418 candidates absent from examination at grade 12 is costly and retrogressive.
    4. Since teacher availability plays a major role in driving performance, we would like to take this opportunity to call on government to consider the timeous recruitment of teachers.

    Lastly, we take this opportunity to congratulate the candidates who passed the Grade 12 examinations and the Teacher Education Diploma Examinations. We also wish to thank our 2024 Grade 12 teachers and Teacher Education Diploma lecturers for the job well done.

    For/ZANEC

     

    George Hamusunga

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROVISION OF EXTERNAL AUDIT CONSULTING SERVICES

    CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROVISION OF EXTERNAL AUDIT CONSULTING SERVICES

    CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROVISION OF EXTERNAL AUDIT CONSULTING SERVICES

  • ZANEC Press Statement on the 2024 Primary School Leaving (PSL) and Junior Secondary School Leaving (JSSL) Examination Results

    ZANEC Press Statement on the 2024 Primary School Leaving (PSL) and Junior Secondary School Leaving (JSSL) Examination Results

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased that the Minister of Education Honourable Douglas Syakalima MP released the 2024 Primary School Leaving (PSL) and Junior Secondary School Leaving (JSSL) Examination Results on 23rd December 2024.  It is good that there were no leakages recorded at both PSL and JSSL examinations. This is commendable for the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and other stakeholders in the Ministry of Education to continue with this trend of no leakages during the examinations. It is also good that the results of candidates who were involved in malpractices have been withheld pending determination by the appropriate Committee of the ECZ Board. Indeed, for those involved in malpractice, the law should take its course accordingly.

    On the actual results released 543,069 candidates registered at 2024 PSL examination representing an increase of 8.04% compared to candidates that registered in 2023. Further, 325,108 candidates entered for the 2024 JSSL examination representing an increase of 3.6% compared to the candidature in 2023. It is commendable that there was an increase in 2024 in the total of candidates that registered for both PSL and JSSL examinations compared to 2023. The increase in the number of candidates sitting for examinations can be attributed to free education. We are also pleased that yet again there was no automatic progression to Grade 8 or form one as the trend had compromised the quality of education at secondary school level.

    It is commendable that in 2024 there was an increase in the number of candidates who obtained certificates and progressed to the next level at both PSL and JSSL examination results compared to 2023.

    ZANEC is pleased that the principle of not leaving any child behind is being applied as the Ministry of Education will ensure that the learners who did not meet the standard for selection to Grade 8 or Form One are accorded a chance to repeat primary education, while those who were absent will be brought back to school within the year 2025.  Additionally, learners who wrote the 2024 Junior Secondary External (JSE) examination in July and obtained the Junior Secondary School Leaving Certificate are eligible for enrolment into Grade 10 in 2025.

    ZANEC is also pleased that the Minister of Education in his statement also highlighted the Implementation process of the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework.

    However, ZANEC is saddened with: – 

    1. There is still a need to address the 35.53% of the candidates who had entered the examination and would not proceed to secondary school in 2025 due to absenteeism and not meeting the pass rate for PSL.
    2. Even though there was an improvement as 55.89% obtained a Junior Secondary School Leaving (JSSL) Certificate representing an increase of 2.34% rate compared to the 2023 examination results, it is still a minimum as we cannot be having 44.11% of candidates not proceeding to the next level because of not meeting the cut-off point and absenteeism.

    To this effect, ZANEC is recommending the following measures to address the above challenges: –

    1. There is a need for the new curriculum 2023 to be allocated adequate funds for the implementation to be done according to the proposal by the Ministry of Education.
    2. There is a need to continue increasing investment in improving the learning outcomes at both primary and secondary levels to reduce the failure rate.

    Finally, we urge our parents and guardians to prepare adequately for the children to return to school by 13th January and for form 1 by 10th February 2024.

    For/ZANEC

     

    Henry Kabwe

    BOARD CHAIRPERSON

     

  • Official Opening Speech at Early Childhood Development Education Meeting on 27th December 2024

    Official Opening Speech at Early Childhood Development Education Meeting on 27th December 2024

    Official Opening Speech at the ECDE Meeting on 27th December, 2024

  • Guest of Honour Speech – 2024 ZANEC Education and Skills Sector Media Awards

    Guest of Honour Speech – 2024 ZANEC Education and Skills Sector Media Awards

    Guest of Honour Speech – 2024 ZANEC Education and Skills Sector Media Awards

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that falls today 3rd December. This day provides an opportunity for key stakeholders such as governments, organizations, and communities to come together to raise awareness, promote inclusion, take action to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and celebrate their achievements and contributions to society. There is a need to also reflect on our achievements in providing access to quality education for learners with disabilities. The reason is that Education is fundamental in the lives of persons with disability for their well-being, dignity, and relevance to society.

    The theme for the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,”   In line with the theme it is important to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to take charge of their lives and shape their future. This theme underscores the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to take the lead in shaping their own destinies and contributing to society. To be inclusive is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, resources and environments. Inclusion also encompasses the policies, practices and attitudes that enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, social situations, community activities and leadership roles. Disability inclusion is not just about physical accessibility, it also involves creating a culture of respect, understanding and support that values diversity and promotes the full integration and potential of individuals with disabilities.

    According to the United Nations an estimated 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability today around the world. In Zambia, persons with disabilities make up nearly 11% of the population. It is good that Zambia is taking strides to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by placing inclusivity at the heart of its national development agenda through the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) principle of leaving no one behind embraces a multi-dimensional approach to development that goes beyond solely focusing on economic growth. It aims to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion by ensuring that economic growth is equitable and benefits all segments of society, especially marginalized and vulnerable populations like persons with disabilities.

    However, is sad to note as is evidenced in the 2021 elections that there is no Member of Parliament with disability in Zambia.  It is important for persons with disability also have a representation in Parliament where laws are made.  The theme for 2024 also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities includes promoting their political participation as well. Therefore, there has to be deliberate effort to encourage persons with disability to participate in the governance of the county and create an enabling environment for them to participate fully in all sectors such as political, economic, social and cultural aspects of our country so that they are able to shape their future.

    As we are aware,  education is key in the attainment of this year’s theme as it equips individuals with disabilities with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for their rights and achieve their full potential as well as to take up leadership positions. Indeed, amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities is essential to make meaningful progress in achieving global educational goals, advancing education equity for all, and building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Education is a key aspect for an inclusive and sustainable future for persons with disabilities.

    Line with the global call-to-action ZANEC therefore, recommends the following:

    • Promoting the leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life starts with providing them equality education that is equitable and inclusive.
    • Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
    • Increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes is encouraged.
    • Raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
    • To take keen interest in the prevailing inequalities and invest more resources and incentives to promote inclusion and equity in our schools if Zambia is to meet SDG 4 on inclusive quality education for all.
    • Once again, we repeat that it is important for Zambia to fully implement the Persons with Disability Act of 2012 which domesticates the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For instance, Article 24 of the convention clearly affirms the right to education for persons with disabilities on the basis of equal opportunity.

    ZANEC wishes all persons with disabilities a successful commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

    For/ZANEC

    Petronella Isiteketo

    ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)

  • ZANEC Success Stories -Student Researchers Mentorship Programme

    ZANEC Success Stories -Student Researchers Mentorship Programme

    ZANEC Success Stories -Student Researchers Mentorship Programme