ZANEC

Author: ZANEC

  • TERMS OF REFERENCE CONDUCT A SURVEY ON THE IMPACT OF THE STUDENT LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME IN ZAMBIA

    TERMS OF REFERENCE CONDUCT A SURVEY ON THE IMPACT OF THE STUDENT LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME IN ZAMBIA

    1.0 BACKGROUND

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. The niche of the Coalition is thus to conduct research, analysis, monitoring and influencing policy direction in the education and skills sector. In addition, ZANEC is known for mobilising Civil Society Organisations and communities through its Member Organisations located in various parts of the country, giving the Coalition its national character.

     

    ZANEC envisions a “sustainable and inclusive education system that responds to national aspirations and fosters an environment of self-fulfilment”. Implementation of this vision needs different stakeholders including government, cooperating partners, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and student movements. As such, ZANEC, with support from Norwegian Student’s and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH) has been advocating for access to quality education service delivery in Institutions of Higher Learning.

    2.0 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

    The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Act of 2016 provides for equitable access to tertiary education through the administration, investment, payment and  recovery  of loans. It also provides for  the  administration  and  granting  of scholarships as well as  facilitating  the  mobilization  of  financial resources  for  loans  and  scholarships.  The Loans and Scholarship Scheme allows for the equitable and equal access to higher education through the provision of financing to qualifying Zambians.

    It is against this background that ZANEC seeks to commission a study to assess the impact of the implementation of the Loans and Scholarship Scheme in Institutions of Higher Learning. In 2019, the Coalition conducted a study to look at access to the loans and scholarships. This study is intended to build on the previous study by assessing the impact of the loans and scholarships awarded by the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board (HELSB). It is expected that the study will look into the financing trends, accessibility by gender and geographical location, relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and impact or value for money.  The assessment is intended to generate evidence that will be used to inform ZANEC’s advocacy work.

    2.1 Objectives of the study

    1. To assess the progress achieved by HELSB in the administration of loans and scholarships using the five (5) evaluation criteria namely relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact (value for money) and sustainability.
    2. To document the key lessons and make practical recommendations that will inform advocacy for increased financial support and equitable access to higher education for disadvantaged and marginalized students including those at risk of dropping out due to non-availability of funds, through the Loans and Scholarships Scheme.

    3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

    1. The scope of work should follow a transparent and inclusive process of consultation of the diverse groups that make up the Education and Skills Sector.
    2. To conduct an analysis of the loans and scholarship administration process including the advertisement, application and rewarding process.
    3. Assess the responsiveness of the delivery mechanism to the needs of the beneficiaries
    4. Investigate how many Institutions of Higher Learning are benefitting from the loans and scholarship scheme and the impact of the support on student enrolments. Assess the impact of the withdrawal of meal allowances from the scholarship package and the ramifications of this decision.
    5. To assess how the loan scheme has responded to the advent of COVID 19 pandemic and its resultant economic challenges at household and national level.
    6. To assess how much has been made in recoveries, including the performance of the private and public sector in ensuring beneficiaries pay back their Loans and how it has been reinvested into the scheme.
    7. Conduct an analysis of the Skills Development Fund and how it contributes towards the provision of the Loans and Scholarship Scheme.

    4.0 DELIVERABLES AND DURATION OF CONSULTANCY

    The assignment is expected to be completed within 11 working days and timeframes are to be jointly agreed between ZANEC Secretariat and the consultant, with the following deliverables.

    1. Inception report with proposed data collection methodologies and proposed time frames for deliverables.
    2. First and second draft of the research report for review.
    3. Summary power point presentation of the findings of the impact assessment. Present the second draft impact assessment report at a stakeholders’ meeting.
    4. Final research report incorporating all the comments by stakeholders.

    5.0 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

    • Must have at least a Master’s Degree in Education or related field.
    • Proven experience and track record in policy analysis and research.
    • Strong communication skills for both oral and written English.
    • Ability to devote full time to the assignment and meet deadlines.

    PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS BY FRIDAY, 25th JUNE 2021 TO:

    The Executive Director

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)

    Baptist Fellowship Building

    Conner of Makishi and Great East Road,

    Plot 3061/2

    Lusaka, Zambia

    Telephone number +26011226422

    Or e-mail: admin@zanec.org.zm

     

     

  • ZANEC Press Statement on the Commemoration of the International Day of the African Child

    ZANEC Press Statement on the Commemoration of the International Day of the African Child

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the rest of the world in commemorating the Day of the African Child which falls today, the 16th of June, 2020. This day was instituted in memory of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa. At that time, students marched in protest against the poor quality of education they received and demanded to be taught in their languages. Therefore this day serves to commemorate these children and the brave action they took in defense of their right to education. The Day of the African Child thus celebrates the children of Africa and calls for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges facing children across the continent.

    The theme for this year is “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”. Indeed there is need to reflect on the gains that have been made and the challenges faced since the adoption of the Agenda 2040. The main objective of the Agenda 2040: is to have an Africa fit for children” and restore the dignity of the African child through assessing the achievements and challenges faced towards the effective implementation of the African Children’s Charter.  Section 6 of the African Charter continental framework for advancing children’s rights and aspiration states that every child must benefit fully from quality education. It is important that every child has access to quality education in Africa, including Zambia which is a signatory to the African Charter on the Rights of the Child.  Education is a fundamental human right that should be accessible by every child regardless of the gender, color, tribe, race and ability.

    It is very sad that in this era of COVID 19, access to quality education by all children has worsened.  The number of out of school children has also increased due to the long closure of schools in 2020 caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.  A lot more needs to be done to sustain learning in our schools. We once again emphasise that schools should not close prematurely. Instead, it is important to tighten the COVID 19 prevention and mitigation measures in our schools for learning to continue.

    It is ZANEC’s view that access to quality education cannot be achieved if funding to the education sector keeps reducing.   Especially in this era of COVID 19, more resources are needed to build more classes and buy more desks that would allow for social distancing, deploy more teachers to allow for learning in small groups, purchase of prevention materials such as washing soaps, sanitizers, hand washing basins, and masks for vulnerable learners. More important also, we call for more innovative but safer ways to ensure continued learning for our Learners with Special Education Needs who are more affected. The provision of quality education amidst the COVID 19 pandemic is not cheap, delivery of quality education will require increased budgetary allocations to the education sector. Implementing programmes that ensure delivery of quality education for all children is the sure way of breaking the cycles of poverty.

    Finally, ZANEC would like to wish all the African children great success as we commemorate their day today.

    For/ZANEC

    George Hamusunga

    Executive Director

  • TERMS OF REFERENCE RESEARCH GRANTS FOR STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING

    TERMS OF REFERENCE RESEARCH GRANTS FOR STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING

    Background

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. The niche of the Coalition is thus to conduct research, analysis, monitoring and influencing policy direction in the education and skills sector. In addition, ZANEC is known for mobilising Civil Society Organisations and communities through its Member Organisations located in various parts of the country, giving the Coalition its national character.

    ZANEC envisions a “sustainable and inclusive education system that responds to national aspirations and fosters an environment of self-fulfilment”. Implementation of this vision needs different stakeholders including government, cooperating partners, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and student movements.

    ZANEC has been running the student Research Mentorship Programme since 2018 with the support of Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH). Since then, 30 students from various Private and Public Institutions of Higher Learning across the Country have been provided with technical and financial support to conduct academic style research on topical issues.

    RATIONALE

    The ZANEC research mentorship programme is designed to enhance research skills, critical thinking as well as effective analytical and communication skills that are globally sought-after and incredibly beneficial for students pursuing higher education. With the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic, institutions of higher learning have had to close and open irregularly in order to combat the spread. This has resulted in learning loss among most students. One of the mitigation measures taken by higher learning institution is the introduction of the blended approach to learning. This approach has reduced individual student contact with lecturers, which is inevitable for research skills related mentorship. In order to address this challenge and mitigate the negative impact of COVID 19 on learning outcomes, ZANEC will support some students to enhance their undergraduate research skills.

    1. RESEARCH PURPOSE

    To provide ten (10) students who are enrolled at any Zambian private or public university or college with an opportunity to enhance their research skills.

    RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

    • Support identified students to conduct research on topical issues for the academic year 2021.
    • Through the research findings, create evidence to support ZANEC’s advocacy on the promotion of inclusive societies and support academic freedoms in institutions of higher learning.

     

    1. SCOPE OF WORK

    Successful applicants will conduct academic research. Preference will be given to research topics focusing on management of emotional, social and psychological well-being in institutions of higher learning, the impact on learning due to COVID 19 in institutions of higher learning. Other topics may include, but will not be limited to, impact of Cyber Act on academic freedoms, female participation and inclusive societies.

     KEY DELIVERABLES

    1. Submit research proposal expressing interest in conducting research on any of the above provided topics, outlining focus, methodologies and timelines.
    2. Carry out academic research in a period of not more than two months (strictly).
    • Timely submission of complete research document after two months of research work.
    1. Submit 2 hard copies and a soft copy of final research report to ZANEC.

     

    1. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
    • Must be an enrolled second or third year student at an institution of higher learning (University or College).

    NB: All research proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivery to the address below by Wednesday, 23rd June, 2021.

     

    The Executive Director,

    Zambia National Education Coalition,

    Baptist Fellowship Building,

    Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

    P.O. Box 30774,

    Lusaka-Zambia,

    Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

     

    Guiding Notes for Student Research Proposals:

    Your research proposal should include but not limited to:

    1. Research Topic
    2. Statement of the problem
    3. Purpose (objectives of the study)
    4. Specific objective/s
    5. Methodology
    6. Literature Review
    7. Hypothesis
    8. Definition of terms
    9. Assumptions

    Kindly note that the above is a guide to ensure that your proposal follows a standard structure.

  • Welcome remarks by the ZANEC Board Chairperson, Mr. Henry Kabwe Delivered during the Policy Engagement Breakfast Meeting on Early Childhood Development on 10th June, 2021

    Welcome remarks by the ZANEC Board Chairperson, Mr. Henry Kabwe Delivered during the Policy Engagement Breakfast Meeting on Early Childhood Development on 10th June, 2021

    The Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of General Education, Mr. Charm Kalimbika the Director, Early Childhood Education – Ministry of General Education

    Representative from Ministry of Health

    Representative from Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

    Representative from Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development

    Representative from Ministry of Local Government

    Civil Society Organisations Present

    May I simply say Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is my honor and privilege to welcome you distinguished guests to this Policy Engagement Breakfast Meeting on Early Childhood Development.  As ZANEC, we are particularly delighted to have different Government line ministries present that deal with Early Childhood Development components.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Early Childhood Development is key to national development as it is concerned with development of a child’s brain and capacity to integrate well into society in their adulthood. As United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) puts it, Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECDCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. ECCDE has the potential of making our children survive, thrive and become responsible and productive citizens in their adulthood.

    Therefore, ZANEC with support from Save the Children as well as in collaboration with stakeholders working in the area of Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) came up with a Policy Brief highlighting areas that need attention and we have proposed specific actions for government.

    Therefore, the objectives of this Meeting are:

    • To present the policy brief detailing the gaps and recommendations addressed to the Ministry of General Education and other line ministries.
    • Receive a response from the Ministry of General Education on the recommendations from the Policy Brief

    It is our hope that the action points and way forward from this engagement meeting will indeed be operationalized by all of us gathered here this morning especially the Ministry of General Education who are the key custodians of Early Childhood Education in our Country.

    Lastly, Ladies and Gentlemen, ZANEC would also like to take this opportunity to thank Save the Children for the financial support rendered towards this meeting.

     

    Thank you and God Bless You

  • Press Statement – ZANEC calls for tightening of COVID 19 Measures in Schools

    Press Statement – ZANEC calls for tightening of COVID 19 Measures in Schools

    The Zambia National Education Coalition is concerned with the surge in the number of cases under the third wave of the COVID 19 pandemic recently announced by the Ministry of Health. The impact of the increasing number of COVID 19 cases, as warned by the Ministry of Health, require urgent action by the Ministry of General Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Finance in ensuring that COVID 19 preventive and mitigation measures are strengthened in schools. Our priority should be to protect the health and safety of our learners and prevent further learning loss.

    As you are aware, Zambia is among countries globally that made a strategic decision to reopen schools amid the COVID 19 pandemic. The decision to re-open schools last year resulted in Zambia being among the countries globally that have averted a learning crisis that majority of countries are now facing. This can be attributed the political will and leadership demonstrated by the Ministries of Health, General Education and Higher Education which have resulted in relatively minimal losses in learning due to the impact of COVID 19, compared to the situation in other Countries.

    This progress notwithstanding, our greatest fear now is that the 3rd wave of the COVID 19 can easily erode our gains if we continue taking the business as usual approach. We need to avoid any further school closure by increasing investment in our schools aimed at making them resilient to the impact of COVID 19. Our schools need to be in the emergency-response mode all the time. Closing of schools should not be an option, given the low reach of our alternative modes of education provision. Zambia has limited options for remote distance learning with lots of challenges. Therefore, schools are our only hope.

    Finally, we agree with the statement made by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kennedy Malama, yesterday that the Ministry of Health will not rush in closing schools but will instead work with the Ministries responsible to enforce the COVID 19 prevention and mitigation measures. However, enforcing COVID 19 measures in schools requires collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and the two Ministries of Education to ensure the health and safety of our children. We are also concerned that the Ministry of Finance has so far not prioritized the safety and health of children amidst the COVID 19 Pandemic. Currently, most of our schools have no resources to put adequate measures for the prevention of COVID 19. Therefore, we would like to call upon the Ministry of Finance to immediately release emergency funding to primary schools to enable school managements prepare adequately for the third wave.

     

    George Hamusunga

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • SPEECH BY THE GUEST OF HONOUR DR. JABBIN MULWANDA, PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION DELIVERED AT ZANEC’S 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON 19TH MAY 2021 AT CRESTA GOLF HOTEL, LUSAKA

    SPEECH BY THE GUEST OF HONOUR DR. JABBIN MULWANDA, PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION DELIVERED AT ZANEC’S 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON 19TH MAY 2021 AT CRESTA GOLF HOTEL, LUSAKA

    The ZANEC Board Chairperson

    ZANEC Board Members

    Cooperating Partners Present

    Coalition Members

    ZANEC Executive Director and Secretariat staff

    Members of the media

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    It is my honour and privilege to officiate at the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s 9th General Assembly held under theme: “KEEPING THE WHEELS OF EDUCATION RUNNING AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC”.

    It is very encouraging  to see so many civil society organisations in one room, united in the provision of education to our Zambian learners and how to best each respective organisation can contribute towards improving the education sector. I am aware that currently ZANEC has 82 Member Organizations working in the Education and Skills Sector. For the Ministry of General Education, this signifies that we have many organisations that are complementing the efforts of Government in the delivery of quality education to all our learners especially in the aspect of generating evidence for improved decision making and promotion of innovations.

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The Education Coalition has demonstrated its continued support and partnership to the cause of the learner even amidst the COVID 19 Pandemic. My Ministry is pleased that you have continued providing policy and advocacy based on evidence generated from actual research. As you are aware, 2020 brought about a re-thinking and saw a change to how the Ministry and the world at large delivered education with the onset of COVID 19 pandemic. Drastic changes had to be made to ensure that learning was not adversely affected, especially for the rural and vulnerable learners. Even as all these changes were being implemented, the Coalition remained unwavering in your commitment to providing evidence-based alternatives to best address the situation and ensure that learners and teachers returned to school under safe conditions.

    Admittedly, we still have a long way to go in attaining the education we aspire to, especially when it comes to having well balanced alternative modes of education delivery. With the continued support from our partners and stakeholders we have been able to achieve what has been accomplished so far as we ensure that no one is left behind in our education agenda even amidst the COVID 19 Pandemic such as:

    1. The launch of the two (2) E – Learning Platforms: The National E – Learning Portal and the Smart Revision;
    2. The launch of the Education Television Channel (ZNBC TV4) on Top Star Platform;
    3. The airing of lessons on the Education Broadcasting Radio; and
    4. The development of Self – Instructional Learning Materials through the Zambia College of Distance Education (ZACODE).

     

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Although my Ministry has made some gains in increasing access to education at all levels, our education system continues to be lag behind in the provision of adequate and suitably qualified teachers, teaching and learning materials and learning space, among other things, whose impacts negatively affect the  learning outcomes, progression rates and drop-out rates.

     

    To this effect, ladies and gentlemen,

    The theme of this General Assembly is in line with my Ministry’s aspirations of “KEEPING THE WHEELS OF EDUCATION RUNNING AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC”. The pandemic has magnified our deficiencies in the sector and has also created opportunities to look beyond what we have always done thus opening up limitless possibilities for education delivery.

     

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    It is a known fact that education financing is one of the key factors to attaining our goals and ensuring that we have a well-implemented Education and Skills Sector Plan. The ministry recognised the continued and relentless efforts that ZANEC has made for increased budgets to the sector for the achievement of national plans. Be rest assured that My Ministry together with our Cooperating partners continue to prioritize funding to the Education as we are all well aware, education is the cornerstone of development in the world. Even as we speak of the national development aspiration of ‘leaving no one behind’, can only be attained with investment in education, which is the true equalizer.

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Allow me to conclude by calling upon all the ZANEC Member Organisations present here to continue complementing government efforts in the provision of quality inclusive education for all our children. Your contributions do not go unnoticed and may of the undertakings in the General Education sector would remain undone if not for you our partners. My call is to see how we can all utilise our comparative advantages as organisations to the fulfilment of the national goals.

    My hope is that even as you look at your new strategic direction, the Coalition will remain focused in the delivery of its mandate of promoting access to quality inclusive education for all our children.   The ministry remains ready to partner and collaborate on the different initiatives meant KEEPING THE WHEELS OF EDUCATION RUNNING AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

     

    I thank you and may God bless you all.

     

    Note that the speech was read by  Mr. Louis Mwansa – Director  Planning and Information, Ministry of General Education 

  • SPEECH READ BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR. HENRY KABWE, DURING THE 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD AT CRESTA GOLF VIEW ON 19TH MAY 2021

    SPEECH READ BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR. HENRY KABWE, DURING THE 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD AT CRESTA GOLF VIEW ON 19TH MAY 2021

    THE GUEST OF HONOUR

    COOPERATING PARTNERS

    ZANEC HONORARY MEMBERS

    ZANEC BOARD AND MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

    I AM DELIGHTED TO MAKE THIS ADDRESS YOU COLLEAGUES AS WE COMMEMORATE THE 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE VIBRANT ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION (ZANEC). MY ADDRESS TO THIS 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS A SENTIMENTAL ONE. AS YOU ARE AWARE, I ASCENDED TO THE CHAIRPERSONSHIP OF THE ZANEC BOARD AFTER THE DEMISE OF OUR IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON MRS. HARRIET SIANJIBU MIYATO. THEREFORE, BEFORE I PROCEED, *MAY I REQUEST THAT WE OBSERVE A MINUTE OF SILENCE IN HONOUR OF OUR DECEASED IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON.   

    AMEN!

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

    THE BEST WAY WE CAN HONOR OUR LATE CHAIRPERSON IS TO UNITE IN CARRYING FORWARD HER VISION AND ASPIRATIONS OF MAKING ZANEC A STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE COALITION.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    I AM HONORED TODAY TO BE IN THE MIDST OF SO MANY WOMEN AND MEN WHO HAVE MADE ACHIEVING QUALITY EDUCATION AND PROMOTING LIFELONG LEARNING THEIR LIFE AMBITION. YOUR ENERGY AND DEDICATION IS TRULY INSPIRING.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHICH IS: “KEEPING THE WHEELS OF EDUCATION RUNNING AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC” REASONATES VERY WELL WITH OUR CURRENT OPERATING ENVIRONMENT. THE THEME IS A CALL TO CONTINUITY OF LEARNING AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC.

    AS YOU ARE AWARE, COVID-19 HAS POSED A GREAT CHALLENGE IN THE DELIVERY OF EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA AND GLOBALLY. THE IMPACT OF THE LONG SCHOOL CLOSURE WE EXPERIENCED LAST YEAR HAS MANIFESTED ITSELF IN THE LOSS OF LEARNING TIME AND INCREASED DROP OUT RATES AMONG OUR LEARNERS. WORSE STILL, THE REMOVAL OF GIRLS FROM THE SAFE ENVIRONMENTS PROVIDED BY SCHOOLS HAS LED TO AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF EARLY PREGNANCES AND MARRIAGES AMONG OUR SCHOOL GIRLS ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS.

    HOWEVER, AS A RESULT OF THE OVERWHELMING IMPACT OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON EDUCATION, THE COALITION PARTNERED WITH GOVERNMENT AND UNICEF IN GENERATING EVIDENCE WHICH HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN INFORMING STRATEGIES FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS INNOVATIONS BY POLICY MAKERS, POLICY IMPLEMENTERS, SCHOOLS, TEACHERS AND LEARNERS AIMED AT MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC.

    LEARNING HAS ALSO SHIFTED FROM WHAT WE ARE USED TO. PEDAGOGICAL ADAPTATIONS HAVE PROVED IMPORTANT AS THE TRADITIONAL FACE TO FACE MODELS BECAME RISKY. ALTERMATIVE MODES OF EDUCATION PROVISION IN FORM OF RADIO, TELEVISION, MOBILE OR ONLINE PLATFORMS HAVE TAKEN CENTER STAGE. TO COPE WITH THESE NEW INNOVATIONS, OUR TEACHERS HAVE HAD TO ADAPT THEIR TEACHING METHODOLOGIES. THESE SERVICES BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF ZANEC AND THE MINISTRY TO ENSURE THAT EVEN A CHILD IN THE MOST REMOTE PARTS OF ZAMBIA GETS ACCESS TO LEARNING THROUGH THE EXPANSION OF THE EDUCATION BROADCASTING SERVICES (EBS) RADIO AND TV. I AM GLAD TO INFORM THIS HOUSE THAT THE INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (IBA) IS READY TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE THROUGH INTERVENTIONS OF ZANEC MEMBERS.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THAT WE GATHER TO RE-ECHO THE GOVERNMENT’S CALL FOR BLENDED LEARNING INVOLVING BOTH FACE TO FACE INTERACTION UNDER THE NEW NORMAL AND REMOTE LEARNING. AS A COALITION, WE ARE READY TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS IN GENERATING RESEARCH EVIDENCE TO INFORM THE OVERALL RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY COVID 19 BY ENSURING THAT ALL LEARNERS, INCLUDING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ONES, BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICE.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    I AM ALSO PLEASED TO INFORM YOU THAT WE WILL BE PRESENTING A NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOR PERIOD 2021 – 2025. OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN IS ALIGNED TO THE NATIONAL AND SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS, TO ENSURE WE REMAIN RELEVANT AND RESPONSIVE TO THE NATIONAL EDUCATION PRIORITIES. OUR STRATEGY CALLS FOR RETHINKING EDUCATION TO ENSURE THAT IT PROVIDES REQUISITE SKILLS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    EDUCATION DETERMINES ANY NATION’S STATUS. IF IT IS REFORMED THROUGH A CURRICULUM PREMISED ON THINKING, INNOVATION AND INQUIRY AND NOT BARELY THE DESIRE TO PASS EXAMINATIONS, EDUCATION CAN BRING DEVELOPMENT TO OUR NATION.

    WHEN TEACHERS CREATE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT WHERE LEARNERS LOOK FORWARD TO GOING TO LEARN, IT CAN CATAPULT THEIR ABILITY TO GRASP SKILLS AND BECOME PRODUCTIVE. THIS SHOULD BE DONE IN AN INCLUSIVE MANNER TO ENSURE THAT LEARNERS WITH DISABILITIES FEEL PART OF THEIR NATION’S DEVELOPMENT. IT IS OUR COALITION’S DESIRE TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNMENT TO REALISE THESE ASPIRATIONS.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    AS WE DELIBERATE ON THE PAST YEAR’S PERFORMANCE, IT IS ALSO MY HOPE THAT WE WILL CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESSES AND REFLECT ON AREAS THAT WE NEED TO DO BETTER. WE NEED TO LEARN FROM OUR WEAKNESSES IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE BETTER OUTCOMES DURING OUR NEW STRATEGIC PERIOD. LET US CONTINUE TO BE ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT AS WE CONDUCT OUR WORK AS A COALITION.

    IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT I CALL ON ALL MEMBERS AND EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS TO CONTINUE CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS AN ACCOUNTABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM, WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADVANCING THE BEST INTEREST AND RIGHTS OF ALL LEARNERS.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    LET ME CONCLUDE MY SPEECH BY CALLING UPON ALL COALITION MEMBERS TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE COLLECTIVE PRIORITIES OF THE COALITION.  I FURTHER CALL UPON ALL ZANEC MEMBERS PRESENT TO ACTIVELY DELIBERATE DURING THIS ASSEMBLY TO ENSURE THAT WE MAKE RESOLUTIONS THAT WILL CONRIBUTE TOWARDS THE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ZANEC.

    THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

  • VOTE OF THANKS DELIVERED DURING THE 9TH ZANEC GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD FROM 19TH TO 20TH MAY 2021 GIVEN BY MRS FLORENCE MWANSA DIRECTOR WOMEN CARES ASSOCIATION FOR VULNERABLE PERSONS (WOCAVP)

    VOTE OF THANKS DELIVERED DURING THE 9TH ZANEC GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD FROM 19TH TO 20TH MAY 2021 GIVEN BY MRS FLORENCE MWANSA DIRECTOR WOMEN CARES ASSOCIATION FOR VULNERABLE PERSONS (WOCAVP)

    THE GUEST OF HONOUR

    COOPERATING PARTNERS PRESENT

    ZANEC HONORARY MEMBERS PRESENT

    ZANEC BOARD AND MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

    MAY I SIMPLY SAY LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

     

    IT IS AN HONOR TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO OFFER A VOTE OF THANKS ON THE OCCASION OF THE ZANEC 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY. ON BEHALF OF THE ZANEC MEMBER ORGANISATIONS AND THE ENTIRE COALITION, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION FOR OFFICIATING AT THIS ASSEMBLY. AS ZANEC WE APPRECIATE YOUR PRESENCE AND COMMITMENT TO WALK WITH US IN THE DELIVERY OF QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL LEARNERS. WE ARE FURTHER GRATEFUL FOR THE CONTINUED COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP THAT YOUR MINISTRY HAS WITH ZANEC. INDEED, IN LINE WITH THE THEME “KEEPING THE WHEELS OF EDUCATION RUNNING AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC” ZANEC TAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPLAUD YOUR MINISTRY FOR SUSTAINING LEARNING AMIDST COVID 19. THE EFFORTS YOU HAVWE MADE IN SUSTAINING LEARNING SHOW THAT EDUCATION IS ON TOP OF YOUR AGENDA.

    ZANEC IS ALSO GRATEFUL TO THE COOPERATING PARTNERS FOR THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO GIVE.  THE SUPPORT HAS GONE A LONG WAY IN PROMOTING THE MANDATE OF ZANEC AND KEEPING EDUCATION RUNNING AMIDST COVID 19 PANDEMIC.

    WE ALSO EXTEND SPECIAL THANKS TO EDUCATION OUT LOUD THROUGH GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION (GPE) FOR THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO MEET AT THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

    WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT AS WE IMPLEMENT OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, OUR PARTNERSHIP WILL EVEN GET STRONGER.

    THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL!

  • SPEECH READ BY ZANEC BOARD SECRETARY MR ROBERT SHULA DURING THE GAWE SDG STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON 30TH APRIL 2021

    SPEECH READ BY ZANEC BOARD SECRETARY MR ROBERT SHULA DURING THE GAWE SDG STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON 30TH APRIL 2021

    MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION PERMANENT SECRETARY AND OFFICIALS;

    MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION OFFICIALS;

    MINISTRY OF MINES REPRESENTATIVE;

    MINISTRY OF FINANCE REPRESENTATIVE

    MINISTRY OF NATIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE

    LUSAKA CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

    COOPERATING PARTNERS RESENT

    CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS PRESENT

    ZANEC MEMBERS, BOARD AND STAFF PRESENT

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

     

    IT IS MY PRIVILEGE AND HONOUR TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO THIS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS), WHICH FOCUSES ON THE THEME OF THE 2021 GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION “MORE AND BETTER FINANCING FOR EDUCATION”.   ZANEC IS GRATEFUL FOR YOU ALL WHO ARE PRESENT IN THIS MEETING AS THIS IS AN INDICATION OF HOW MUCH YOU VALUE EDUCATION.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    GAWE IS AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION (GCE) TO ENCOURAGE MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD TO SUPPORT THE DEMAND FOR FREE, PUBLIC, QUALITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR ALL. CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS (CSOS) WHO ARE MEMBERS OF GCE IN EACH COUNTRY ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY TO REMIND THEIR GOVERNMENTS TO KEEP THE PROMISES THEY MADE. AM EXCITED TO INFORM THE MEETING THAT IN ZAMBIA, GAWE IS LED BY ZANEC WHICH IS A MEMBER OF THE GCE.

    INDEED, THERE IS NEED FOR INCREASED FINANCING TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR AS THE CURRENT BUDGET ALLOCATIONS LEAVE MUCH TO BE DESIRED. THE CURRENT 11.5% ALLOCATION IS TOO LOW TO MEET THE NEEDS OF QUALITY PROVISION AS WELL AS ACCESS BY EVERYONE ELIGIBLE TO BE IN SCHOOL.

    UNFORTUNATELY FOR ZAMBIA, THE SHARE OF THE EDUCATION BUDGET HAS DROPPED IN THE LAST SIX YEARS FROM 20.3% IN 2015 TO 11.5% IN 2021. THE REDUCTION IN THE EDUCATION BUDGET NOTWITHSTANDING, THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED A STEADY DECLINE OVER THE LAST DECADE. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN THAT LEARNING IS NO LONGER TAKING PLACE THE WAY IT USED TO. FOR INSTANCE, THE NEED FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING IN SCHOOLS HAS LED TO MULTIPLE SHIFTS THEREBY REDUCING LEARNING HOURS.  THIS ALSO CALLS FOR MORE CLASSROOMS TO BE BUILT TO ALLOW FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING. SIMILARLY, THE REACH FOR ALTERNATIVE MODES OF EDUCATION PROVISION INVOLVING RADIO, TELEVISION AND E-LEARNING HAS REMAINED LOW. THESE CHANGES HAVE MADE EDUCATION EVEN MORE COSTLY.

    THEREFORE, AS ZANEC WE CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER INCREASING THE 2022 EDUCATION BUDGET FROM THE CURRENT 11.5% TO AT LEAST 20% IN LINE WITH THE COMMITMENTS THE COUNTRY HAS MADE THROUGH THE SADC AND CAIRO PROTOCOLS ON EDUCATION.

    ADDITIONALLY, BECAUSE OF THE COVD 19 PANDEMIC, THERE ARE STILL AROUND 260 MILLION OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE WORLD. A LOT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN OUR COUNTRY IF WE ARE EVER GOING TO MEET THE SDG 4 AS A COUNTRY. THEREFORE, ADEQUATE FINANCING IS A MUST.  THERE IS NEED TO RAISE AWARENESS AND RESOURCES FOR THE NEED TO SPEED UP THE INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT THE COVID 19 HAS CAUSED ON OUR LEARNERS.

     

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    IT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT THE GCE MOVEMENT HAS JOINTLY DEVELOPED A POLICY CALL TO ACTION FOR THE CAMPAIGN AND GAWE WILL WORK TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AS SET OUT IN THAT DOCUMENT, FROM WHICH THE TOPLINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOVERNMENTS ARE TO:

    • INCREASE STATE FUNDING FOR EDUCATION TO 20% OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
    • INCREASE THE TAX BASE IN ORDER TO INCREASE RESOURCES, WORKING TOWARDS A MINIMUM TAX-TO-GDP RATIO OF 20%.
    • ENABLE URGENT DEBT CANCELLATION FOR THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES; AND DEBT ALLEVIATION FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER-MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES.
    • ENSURE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SYSTEMS THROUGH EQUITABLE FINANCING AND PROGRAMMES THAT PRIORITISES THE MOST MARGINALISED.
    • PROVIDE FREE QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL AND END THE TREND TOWARDS THE PRIVATIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF EDUCATION.
    • IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEACHING THROUGH ADEQUATE RECRUITMENT, DEPLOYMENT, REMUNERATION AND CONTINUED TEACHER TRAINING.
    • LISTEN AND RESPOND TO THE VOICES OF THOSE AFFECTED. SPACE MUST BE ALLOWED FOR INDIVIDUALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY TO SPEAK UP.
    • DEVELOPED COUNTRIES MUST CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARDS THE GOAL OF 0.7% OVERSEAS AID, WITH 20% OF THIS SPENT ON EDUCATION, AND INCREASING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION AND EDUCATION CANNOT WAIT.

     

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    THIS MEETING WILL HAVE THREE PRESENTATIONS THAT WILL HELP US DELIBERATE FROM AN INFORMED PERSPECTIVE ON HOW WE ARE DOING IN TERMS OF MEETING THE TARGETS SET IN THE SDG 4 FROM BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND CSOS. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE DETAILED PRESENTATIONS THAT WILL BE MADE TODAY:

    • ZAMBIA’S SNAP SHOT PERFORMANCE ON SDG 4 – GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE
    • ZAMBIA’S SNAP SHOT PERFORMANCE ON SDG 4 – CIVIL SOCIETY PERSPECTIVE
    • THE CASE FOR PUBLIC FINANCING FOR EDUCATION

    THEREFORE, I URGE ALL OF US HERE PRESENT TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF THIS MEETING AS YOUR VALUABLE INPUT WILL GO A LONG WAY IN BETTERING THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN OUR COUNTRY.

     

    I THANK AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL

     

     

  • ZANEC Press statement on the 2021 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE)

    ZANEC Press statement on the 2021 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE)

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is excited to join the rest of the World in commemorating the Global Action Week for Education (GAWE). GAWE is one of the key advocacy events for the education movement. The Global Action Week presents an opportunity for all stakeholders including government, cooperating partners, civil society organisations and the general public to reflect on the progress that we are making in the provision of quality education for all. The event is also aimed at raising awareness and promoting action towards the attainment of specific targets in the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in line with the theme.

    The theme for this year’s GAWE is “More and Better Financing for Education”. Indeed, there is a critical need for increased financing to the education sector as the current budget allocations leave much to be desired. The COVID 19 pandemic has also affected the education sector in that learning is no longer taking place the way it used to. For instance, the need for social distancing in schools has led to multiple shifts thereby reducing learning hours. Similarly, the reach for alternative modes of education provision involving radio, television and e-learning has remained low. These changes have also made education even more costly. Unfortunately for Zambia, the share of the education budget has dropped by about 43% in the last six years from 20.3% in 2015 to 11.5% in 2021. The reduction in the education budget notwithstanding, the quality of education at all levels has also experienced a steady decline over the last decade. It is for this reason that we would like to call upon government to consider increasing the 2022 education budget from the current 11.5% to at least 20% in line with the commitments the country has made through the SADC and Cairo Protocols on Education.

    Additionally, because of the COVD 19 Pandemic, there are still around 260 million out-of-school children in the world. In Zambia alone there over 800, 000 out of school children. It is estimated that to reach SDG 4, and bring the 1 billion into a quality and inclusive education system, annual investments in education need to double from $1. 2 to $3 trillion. Many governments still don’t reach the international benchmark of 20% budget share for education which is a necessary step to achieve SDG 4.

    In line with the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) theme, we therefore call upon the government and all stakeholders to:

    1. Increase state funding for education to at least 20% of public expenditure.
    2. Increase the tax base in order to increase resources, working towards a minimum tax-to-GDP ratio of 20%.
    3. Engage relevant agencies for urgent debt cancellation, while at the same time reducing borrowing to only critical areas;
    4. Ensure inclusive education systems through equitable financing and programmes that prioritises the most marginalised.
    5. Provide free quality education for all and improve the quality of teaching through adequate recruitment, remuneration and continued teacher training.
    6. Allowed space for individuals and civil society to speak up and listen and respond to the voices of those affected.

    We also call upon developed countries to continue working towards the goal of 0.7% overseas aid and ensure that 20% of this is ring-fenced to be spent on education. Developed countries must also increase their contributions to the global partnership for education because education cannot wait.

    ZANEC also takes this opportunity to applaud the Ministries of General and Higher Education for ensuring that learning continues amidst COVID 19 Pandemic as education is key to the wellbeing of individuals as well as national development. Therefore, it is important that all stakeholders collaborate by working with the two ministries to ensure that learning continues whilst at the same time observing COVID 19 prevention measures so that no one is left behind. We are also encouraging local companies and corporations to come in and contribute towards the domestic finance base to the education and skills sector.

    Let us remember that education is the best equalizer and adequately financing it will lead to accelerated development and an equal society. We wish everyone God’s blessing as we commemorate the 2021 GAWE.

     

    George Hamusunga

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR