ZANEC

Author: ZANEC

  • ZANEC Press Statement on the 2023 Grade 7 and Grade 9 Examination Results

    ZANEC Press Statement on the 2023 Grade 7 and Grade 9 Examination Results

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased that the Minister of Education Honourable Douglas Syakalima MP released the 2023 Grade 7 and Grade 9 Examination Results on 26th December, 2023. ZANEC commends the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and other stakeholders in the Ministry of Education that no leakages were recorded in the Grade 7 and Grade 9 Examinations. We also appreciate the Government for repealing the ECZ Act No. 15 of 1983 as amended in 1994 and replacing it with the ECZ Act No. 3 of 2023, which has provided for highly stringent measures against examination malpractices. The new Act is already bearing fruit given the reduction in the examination malpractice at Grade 9 from 989 cases in 2022 to 54 cases in 2023.

    On the actual results released, it is commendable that there was an increase in 2023 in the total of candidates that registered for both Grade 7 and Grade 9 examinations compared to 2022. The increase in the number of candidates sitting for examinations can be attributed to the declaration of free education. We are also pleased that the automatic progression to Grade 8 has been abolished as the trend had compromised the quality of education at secondary school. It is important to note that only learners who demonstrate appropriate competencies must be allowed to progress to Grade 8. Therefore, the policy provision to have only Grade 7 candidates with divisions 1 to 3 proceed to Grade 8 is very progressive.

    Furthermore, we are pleased that the abolition of the automatic progression policy will leave 80,093 free spaces at primary school level which were previously utilized by Grade 8 learners. This increased space at the primary school level will provide space for those candidates who have not obtained a primary school certificate to repeat in 2024.

    However, ZANEC is saddened with: –
    1.The sudden change in the subjects that were considered for passing Grade 7 examinations in 2023 has brought about unnecessary speculations in the candidates mainly due to limited access to information. The Ministry of Education needed to share information on the non-release of Paper 1 and Paper 2 results in advance with stakeholders at school and district levels to avoid speculations.
    2.The absenteeism rate at Grade 7 of 9.60% representing 48,274 candidates is huge and worrying especially since it represents a huge jump from 1.21% in 2022.
    3.The low pass rate of 53.6% at Grade 9 level is very low, while the 30.28% of the Grade 7 candidates who obtained Division Four is also very high.

    To this effect, ZANEC is recommending the following measures to address the above challenges: –
    1.The Ministry, through ECZ must ensure that they widely communicate the new developments surrounding the treatment of Paper 1 and Paper 2 to the public.
    2.There is need to increase 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 19th January 2024.

    For/ZANEC

    George Hamusunga
    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • SPEECH BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR HENRY KABWE DELIVERED DURING THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS MEDIA AWARDS HELD ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2023 AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL IN LUSAKA

    SPEECH BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR HENRY KABWE DELIVERED DURING THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS MEDIA AWARDS HELD ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2023 AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL IN LUSAKA

    THE GUEST OF HONOUR MINISTRY OF EDUCATION REPRESENTATIVE
    MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE
    GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRESENT
    COOPERATING PARTNERS PRESENT
    INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVE
    EDUCATION BROADCAST SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
    MEDIA INSTITUTE FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA ZAMBIA REPRESENTATIVE
    POLICY MONITORING RESEARCH CENTER REPRESENTATIVE
    REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS MEDIA HOUSES
    ZANEC BOARD AND MEMBER ORGANISATIONS PRESENT
    OTHER CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS PRESENT,
    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS,
    INVITED GUESTS

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED
    IT IS MY HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION (ZANEC) MEDIA AWARDS. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PRESENCE BECAUSE IT SHOWS HOW YOU VALUE THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN PROMOTING THE DELIVERY OF QUALITY EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE.

    FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY NOT BE AWARE, ZANEC IS A COALITION OF NON-STATE ACTORS WORKING IN THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR. THE ORGANISATION FOCUSES ON RESEARCH, ADVOCACY, AND MEMBER CAPACITY BUILDING. ZANEC MEMBERS COMPRISE OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBOS), FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (FBO’S), NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS), TEACHER TRADE UNIONS, AND STUDENT UNIONS. THE MEMBERSHIP OF ZANEC CURRENTLY STANDS AT 93 MEMBER ORGANISATIONS SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
    THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S MEDIA AWARDS IS “THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN PROMOTING QUALITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION”. IN LINE WITH THE THEME, IT IS APPARENT THAT THE MEDIA PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN AWARENESS RAISING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN ANY GIVEN COUNTRY. THEY PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN CREATING AWARENESS AND ADVOCATING FOR QUALITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF THEIR GENDER, ABILITY, AGE, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STATUS OR LOCATION. THE MEDIA BEING THE MOUTHPIECE OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED IN CHAMPIONING THE REALISATION OF THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR ALL.
    IN ORDER TO BE EFFECTIVE IN THEIR WORK, THE MEDIA SHOULD BE ON TOP OF THINGS IN TERMS OF KNOWING NEW DEVELOPMENT AGENDAS, POLICIES, NATIONAL PLANS, INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND PROTOCOLS. WE ARE OF THE VIEW THAT DOING SO AS HIGHLIGHTED ABOVE WILL ENABLE THE MEDIA TO PROMOTE THE TRUE VALUE OF EDUCATION. IT IS VITAL THAT THE MEDIA IS INNOVATIVE BY ENCOURAGING DECISION MAKERS, COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND PARENTS TO INVEST IN EDUCATION SYSTEMS THAT CAN PRODUCE HIGHER LEVEL SKILLS CAPABLE OF BRINGING ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
    THE OBJECTIVE OF THE AWARDS IS TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE REPORTING ON THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR BY RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS, UNDERSTANDING, PARTICIPATION AND THE NEED FOR THE PROVISION OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY.
    THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
    1. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MEDIA WILL BE MOTIVATED TO REPORT ON EDUCATION-RELATED ADVOCACY ISSUES IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING SUCH AS ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND INCLUSIVE QUALITY EDUCATION AMONG OTHERS.
    2. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MEDIA WILL BE REPORTING OBJECTIVELY ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR IN THE COUNTRY.
    3. OF COURSE, WE EXPECT THAT THERE WILL BE INCREASED VISIBILITY OF ZANEC THROUGH MEDIA REPORTING.
    OVERALL, THE AWARDS THAT ZANEC WILL BE PRESENTING TODAY ARE IN THREE MAIN CATEGORIES NAMELY:
    CATEGORY 1: SKILLS AND TERTIARY EDUCATION – WITH A BIAS TOWARDS ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING;
    CATEGORY 2: YOUTH AND ADULT LITERACY EDUCATION (YALE);
    CATEGORY 3: GENDER AND EQUITY.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
    ZANEC TAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE OUR FUNDING PARTNER NORWEGIAN STUDENTS’ AND ACADEMIC INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND (SAIH) WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE THESE MEDIA AWARDS. INDEED, SAIH HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SUPPORTING ADVOCACY IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS SINCE 2012 AND THE MEDIA AWARDS IN PARTICULAR SINCE 2014.
    FINALLY, ZANEC WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE CALL FOR THESE AWARDS.

    THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

  • ZANEC Press Statement on the International Day of the Girl Child

    ZANEC Press Statement on the International Day of the Girl Child

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child which falls on 11th October. This international commemoration gives us the opportunity to reflect on our achievements and shortcomings in addressing the challenges that girls are facing in realizing their right to education.
    The theme for this year is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our well-being”. Investment in girls and women spurs productivity and economic growth in any given society. Girls and women’s participation in education and leadership positions is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 in Zambia. Moreover, women and girls represent more than half of the country’s population and therefore their full participation in the economy can increase our development prospects. For instance, Girls have the right to safety, education, and a healthy life, not only during these critical formative years but also as they mature into women.
    If adequately supported, girls have the potential to change the world – both as empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and corporate and political leaders. An investment in realizing the power of girls can help uphold their rights today and offer promises for a more equitable and prosperous future. Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 SGDs. Education is a key investment in girls because it is also an enabler of other rights such as the right to participation.
    Although we are pleased that there are more girls that enroll in Grade 1 compared to boys, we are concerned that girls start dropping out at a fast rate from Grade 4. According to the 2020 Education Statistical Bulletin produced by the Ministry of Education, we have 105,700 girls who are out of school in Zambia as a result of the high drop-out rate. Additionally, 16,491 girls got pregnant, and only 7,954 were readmitted representing 48.4% readmission rate. Child marriages due to bad cultural practices in rural parts of the country also contribute to high numbers of girls dropping out of school.
    It is clear from the statistics above that more needs to be done by the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to keep our girl children in school. Therefore, Zambia needs to safeguard the rights of the girls and their well-being by mitigating vices such as teenage pregnancies and early marriages that deprive girls of their education opportunity. We also appeal to the government to ensure that all progressive gender legislations and policies are fully implemented such as the Children’s Code Act No 12 of 2022, Gender Equity and Equality Act No. 22 of 2015, National Gender Policy, the Anti Gender-Based Violence Act No. 1 of 2011, and Re-entry Policy among others.
    Finally, we wish all our girls a happy and successful 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
    For/ZANEC 

    George Hamusunga
    Executive Director

  • THE PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 2024 NATIONAL BUDGET TO THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR

    THE PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 2024 NATIONAL BUDGET TO THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has analysed the 2024 National Budget that was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane on Friday, 29th September 2023 and would like to make the following observations.
    Overall, we are pleased with the following education budget measures which relate to the issues that the Coalition has been advocating for: –

    1. The increase in the allocation to the education sector from 13.9% in 2023 to 15.4% in 2024, representing an increase of 1.5%.
    2. ZANEC also commends the government’s plan to employ 4,200 teachers in 2024 and 1,200 non-teaching staff as this will contribute towards the provision of quality education in public schools.
    3. The increase in the school feeding programme from the current 39.4 million to 111. 7 million is commendable as it will encourage children to stay in school and improve the nutrition of the learners especially the young ones in ECE. Good nutrition can improve attendance, concentration, and overall academic performance for learners, especially in marginalized areas.
    4. The increase in allocation to the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board to ZMW 1, 234, 472, 290 in 2024 from ZMW 930, 226, 908 in 2023 is commendable. This will increase the number of learners, especially from vulnerable communities benefiting from the Loans Scheme.
    5. We are also happy that the government has completed constructing 69 secondary schools and the progress achieved so far on the 46 schools which are still under construction. Our hope is that the construction of these schools will be completed soon so that we can increase access to secondary education.
    6. We are also pleased that the government is aiming to improve internet connectivity for rural areas as this will help to enhance access to digital learning in schools.
    7. The allocation of ZMW 70, 000, 000 towards the procurement of equipment for TEVET will improve the quality of education provided under TEVET. Therefore, ZANEC urges the government to continue investing in this sector as large numbers of young people are enrolled in these institutions.
    8. The Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods project’s goal to increase access to secondary education for girls is commendable. Covering 129,400 beneficiaries in 81 districts by April 2024 from the current 116,891 beneficiaries in 76 districts will benefit more girls.

    To this effect, ZANEC would like to recommend the following measures going forward: –

    1. ZANEC acknowledges the increased allocation to the education sector from 13.9% in 2023 to 15.4% in 2024 but we would lie to encourage government to continue working towards achieving a minimum of 20% allocation of the total budget according to the SADC and Cairo Protocols on Education sector. This will allow the country to make adequate investments in improving quality education for all.
    2. For the 1,200 non-teaching staff that will be recruited in 2024, we recommend that 15% should be ECE Caregivers as ECE teachers need a lot of assistance when handling learners at this age.
    3. There is a conflicting interest when resources for education sit under different ministries. We recommend that money under education even under the CDF should sit on the education budget for easy tracking of the disbursement and expenditure
    4. The government must ensure that at least 20% of the teachers employed in 2024 are Early Childhood Education teachers and 2.5% should be special education to promote disability inclusion. The remaining number should be teachers of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
    5. Grants to schools being allocated ZMW1,863,034,004.00 billion align well with free education from primary to secondary schools as this will ensure that the schools have the necessary requisites to offer quality education. We recommend strict adherence to expenditure guidelines by the schools to avoid using these funds for workshops and training of staff as opposed to the intended purpose.

    For/ ZANEC

    George Hamusunga
    Executive Director

  • ZANEC Press Statement on the 2023 Grade 9 External and GCE External Examination Results

    ZANEC Press Statement on the 2023 Grade 9 External and GCE External Examination Results

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased that the Minister of Education Honourable Douglas Syakalima MP released the 2023 Junior Secondary School Grade 9 External Examination results and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examination Results. ZANEC commends the Examinations Council of Zambia and other stakeholders in the Ministry of Education that no leakages were recorded in the Grade 9 and GCE Examinations. We also appreciate the step taken by the Ministry of Education to withdraw the examination center status for two schools because of examination malpractice. This is good as it will serve as a deterrent to examination centers that espouse this retrogressive practice. Additionally, the proposed research by the Minister designed to investigate why fewer boys than girls register for external examinations is important and we hope that it will be done as soon as possible. This is important because we know that girls are now performing better than boys at Grades 7, 9, and 12. Therefore we expect more boys to be the ones re-writing their examinations. We need to promote both boys and girls’ education to ensure that the boys are not left behind. Both girls and boys need to attain education for the development of the country to be meaningful.

    However, ZANEC is saddened with: –
    1.The decline in the pass rate of 7.79 percentage points at GCE level external results in 2023 compared to 2022 while at Grade 9 the pass rate declined by 4.62 percentage points.
    2.The highest failure rate was recorded at Grade 9 in Mathematics at 74.86% and Integrated Science at 61.43%.
    3.During the 2023 GCE Examination, 470 individual and 9 Whole Centre cases of examination malpractice were reported during the conduct of the 2023 GCE examination.

    To this effect, ZANEC is recommending the following measures to address the above challenges: –
    1.The decline in the pass rate at both the external examinations for Grade 9 and GCE compared to 2022 needs to be addressed by recruiting more teachers, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects to reduce the teacher/pupil ratio as well as procuring relevant teaching and learning materials for quality education to be provided.
    2.More investment is needed in education prerequisites such as the provision of teaching and learning materials as well as the construction of science laboratories if we are to see an improvement in the performance of learners in STEM subjects.
    3.The Examination Council of Zambia needs to continue sensitizing learners and stakeholders on the dangers of engaging in examination malpractices and the associated consequences.

    For/ZANEC

    George Hamusunga
    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Welcome remarks read by the ZANEC Board Member and Chairperson for Skills and Tertiary Subsector Committee, Mrs Christine Nabeba Mwasiti Menda during the Advocacy Follow-up engagement meeting on Academic Freedom Best Practices (Learning Through Virtual Platforms) on 19th September 2023

    Welcome remarks read by the ZANEC Board Member and Chairperson for Skills and Tertiary Subsector Committee, Mrs Christine Nabeba Mwasiti Menda during the Advocacy Follow-up engagement meeting on Academic Freedom Best Practices (Learning Through Virtual Platforms) on 19th September 2023

    Members of Parliament from the Education, Science and Technology Committee Present
    Ministry of Education (MoE) Representative
    Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) Representative
    Higher Education Authority (HEA) Representative
    Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) Representative
    Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) Representative
    Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Representative
    Dean of Students Present
    Student Union Leaders from various Universities and Colleges Present
    Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Present
    ZANEC Members, Board and Staff Present
    Members of the Press
    May I simply say all Protocols observed

    It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all our distinguished guests to this engagement meeting on Academic Freedom Best Practices -Learning Through Virtual Platforms.

    Ladies and Gentlemen
    The continued evolution of education towards virtual platforms presents both opportunities and challenges. In the context of academic freedom, it is imperative to address these shifts to ensure that all students can access, engage with, and benefit from digital learning in higher and tertiary education. It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic helped accelerate the adoption of virtual learning as well as revealing disparities in access and resources. In Zambia, a considerable number of students are marginalized due to limitations in accessing online platforms, often resulting from financial constraints and a lack of necessary devices or reliable connectivity.

    According to the study that was conducted by ZANEC in 2022 titled “Assessment of the Status of Education Technology and Digital Literacy Levels Among Teachers, Parents and Learners in Zambia” the learners were disproportionately affected in terms of access to technology, digital device, availability internet connectivity, geographic isolation, and the high cost of internet bundles. As a result, the educational experience of these students is compromised, leading to inequalities in their pursuit of knowledge and future opportunities.

    Ladies and Gentlemen
    Therefore, this initiative seeks to find solutions to these issues in order to create a conducive learning environment for all students, regardless of their circumstances when it comes to access to online learning.
    ZANEC hopes that the platform created by this engagement meeting will facilitate the sharing of experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions among participants.

    The overall objective of this meeting is to engage key stakeholders on how learning through virtual platforms can enhance academic freedom best practices for all students regardless of their social, economic, cultural, and gender differences.

    Ladies and Gentlemen
    ZANEC is grateful to Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) for the financial support which has made it possible to hold this advocacy follow-up initiative today. The coalition has held a number of advocacy activities to promote a conducive learning environment for students in higher learning institutions by collaborating and partnering with YETT on a project called the Student Academic Freedom Regional Advocacy Program (SAFRAP).

    I wish all of us present here a fruitful deliberation that will provide solutions to effective and efficient eLearning and academic freedom in our tertiary institutions.

    Thank you and God bless you all.

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

    The Zambia National Educational Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the rest of the world in commemorating International Literacy Day. This day is important in the education calendar as it provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the importance of education to human and economic development. Literacy, which simply refers to one’s ability to read and write should be a must especially in this era where almost everything is being digitalized.

    This year’s theme, which is “Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful societies” is very timely. Indeed, the world is transitioning from the impact of the COVID 19 on education. As we transition into the post COVID 19 period, it is important to build on foundations that will ensure we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. To achieve this, we need to increase investment in literacy and numeracy in a way that promotes values of a sustainable and peaceful society. Therefore, there is need to embrace blended learning narrowing down the digital divide between the vulnerable and privileged population to ensure equitable access to digital platforms both for learning, Communication and accessing economic opportunities. Literacy skills are expanding and evolving as people engage more and more with information and learning through digital technology. Zambia has no choice but to invest in equitable information communication technologies that can facilitate the easy acquisition of literacy skills.

    Literacy plays a significant role in a person’s wellbeing as it empowers and liberates people through improving their lives by expanding capabilities which in turn reduce poverty, increase participation in the labour market and has positive effects on health and sustainable development. It should be noted that nations with high literacy rates are also making significant progress in their social, economic, cultural and political development. For example, literate women have a positive ripple effect on all aspects of development. They have greater life choices for themselves and an immediate impact on the health and education of their families which in turn impacts positively on the society at large.

    However, we note with concern that Youth and Adult Literacy Education continue to be the least resourced subsector in the Education and Skills Sector. Evidence from the analysis of the 2023 National budget allocation to the Education and Skills Sector show that only 0.02% was located to this important subsector. There is no increase that was registered from the allocation for 2022. meaning that, as a country, we have not prioritised investment in the Youth and Adult Literacy Sector despite its immense potential.

    We would therefore like to take this opportunity to make the following recommendations to our Ministry of Education. We recommend that the Ministry must consider:
    •Employing adult education graduates to support the delivery of adult literacy in adult literacy centres.
    •Increase the provision of training equipment as well as teaching and learning materials (radios, books, charts) in adult literacy centres.
    •Purchase lighting equipment for centres such as solar lamps and solar panels.
    •Budget for salaries for adult literacy instructors on annual basis.
    •At least 5% of the teachers to be deployed next year should be adult literacy teachers.
    •The Ministry should construct more centres for YALE and lobby for CDF investment towards building adult literacy centres.

    Finally, ZANEC would like to wish all of you a reflective, happy and fruitful International Literacy Day commemoration.

    For/ZANEC
    George Hamusunga
    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON THE UNETHICAL MISCONDUCT OF A TEACHER WHO INJURED A PUPIL IN KASENENGWA DISTRICT

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON THE UNETHICAL MISCONDUCT OF A TEACHER WHO INJURED A PUPIL IN KASENENGWA DISTRICT

    Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is saddened by the unethical conduct of a named teacher who was reported in the media to have badly beaten a Grade 2 in Kasenengwa, Eastern Province to the point of fracturing his legs. As ZANEC, we condemn this act of brutality on the young learner as it is a violation of article 37 (a) 2 of the United Nations Conventions on Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that “no child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment,”. This action is also a breach of the provisions of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 specifically Section 22 which clearly states that “A person shall not impose corporal punishment as a form of punishment on a child. We are also aware that Zambia issued a gazette notice for the abolishment of corporal punishment which was enacted into statutory instrument number 10 of 2003. Corporal punishment was further criminalized in the Education Act of 2011 under section 28 which states that;

    28. (1) A teacher, employee or other person at an educational institution shall not impose or administer corporal punishment or degrading or inhuman treatment on a learner or cause corporal punishment or degrading or inhuman treatment to be imposed or administered on a learner. (2) A teacher, employee or other person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both.

    We, therefore, take this opportunity to emphasize that it is important for all school head teachers to be acquainted with the provisions of the Education Act, Teaching Professions Act, and the Code of Ethics for teachers to ensure they orient all their teachers that are entering the teaching profession. The Code of Ethics clearly outlines the dual role of teachers as both educators and parent substitutes who should respect and protect children’s rights. The Ministry of Education should also ensure that all head teachers are trained in administering alternative forms of discipline that do not violate the rights of children such as counselling.

    ZANEC would therefore like to appeal to the relevant authorities namely the DEBS, PEO, Teaching Council of Zambia, and Teaching Service Commission to follow up on this case and determine the appropriate course of action against the teacher responsible.

    For/ZANEC 

    George Hamusunga
    Executive Director

  • 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, 2023.  The Day of the African Child is a time to celebrate the children of Africa and reflect on the progress we are making in the realization of the right to education for all our children across the continent.

    The theme for this year is “The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment”. Indeed, access to digital platforms is important for all children in this modern world. The Rights of the Children to digitization, also entails children being protected and safeguarded as they access online platforms.  Therefore, this theme has come at the right time when the COVID -19 pandemic brought to light the need and the importance of digital learning in Zambia’s educational system. It is important that children have access to digital learning platforms as well especially during calamities like the COVID 19 that made it impossible to learn physically in a classroom.

    The Alternative modes of education provision (AMEP) that Ministry of Education used face a lot of challenges as is evidenced from the study that was conducted by ZANEC on “Assessing the status of education technology and digital literacy levels among teachers, parents and learners in Zambia”.  This research study revealed that learners were disproportionately affected in terms of access to technology, digital device availability and connectivity.

    To this effect, the African Committee of Experts on the Right and Welfare of Children (ACERWC) has recommended the following as we commemorate this year’s Day of the African Child to our government:

    • Ratify and domesticate the AU Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data (Malabo Convention) and other applicable international instruments;
    • Set aside sufficient resources for the provision of ICT services, particularly in schools;
    • Develop online child protection frameworks which tackle violation of children’s rights online, including Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), with a reporting and investigation mechanism and precise conditions and rules for extradition, extra territorial jurisdiction, mutual legal assistance, and the seizure and confiscation of goods;
    • EnactCyber Security and Data Protection legislation, which also offer guidance on the protection of children’s privacy and personal data;
    • Create toll-free national emergency numbers that are always available forreporting online violations and for the provision of information on and referral to protection and support services for survivors;
    • Establish by law the responsibility of ICT companies and financial institutions to protect children’s rights online and hold business accountable for child rights violations online;
    • Adopt appropriate regulatory frameworks to hold businesses accountable where they are found to have participated in online sexual abuse and exploitation;
    • Mandating for the participation of children in decision-making process through the use of digital technologies presented in a child-friendly format;
    • Ensure caregivers and teachers are sufficiently equipped to assist children insafely navigating the digital environment;
    • Initiate training for members of law enforcement and the judiciary to capacitate them to comprehensively address issues of child online protection;
    • Take steps to remove existing barriers faced by children with disabilities and other children from marginalized and vulnerable communities (refugee children, IDPs, migrants, children affected by armed conflicts) in relation to digital environment;
    • Explore mechanisms through which the digital environment can be utilised to enhance children’s rights, e.g. online birth registration services, soft-copy publication of key legislation and statistics relating to children, and updated online platforms; and
    • Establish accountability mechanisms to ensure State Actors do not infringe on children’s rights in the digital world such as through unethical surveillance practices, internet shutdowns, among others.

    Finally, in understanding children’s rights in the digital environment, it is critical to note that all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring promotion and protection of children’s rights in the digital sphere. Therefore, we urge the government, the private sector, parents, guardians and caregivers, as well as CSOs, UN Agencies, child and youth-led organizations to promote and protect the rights and welfare of the children in the digital environment.

    For/ZANEC

    George Hamusunga

    Executive Director

     

  • SPEECH BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR HENRY KABWE DELIVERED AT THE GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS’ EVENT HELD AT NORTHMEAD PRIMARY SCHOOL ON 2ND JUNE, 2023

    The Guest of Honour The Minister of Education Honorable Douglas Syakalima MP

    Officials from Government Ministries Present

    The Head of Office UNESCO Zambia

    Cooperating Partners Present

    Representatives of Civil Society Organisations

    Learners and Teachers Present

    Members of the Press

     

    May I simply say Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

    It’s my singular honour to stand before you and deliver this speech on behalf of Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC). For those of you who may not be aware, ZANEC is a Coalition of non-state actors working in the Education and Skills Sector. The organisation is involved in research, advocacy and member capacity building on different aspects of the Education and Skills Sector in Zambia. ZANEC members comprise of Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBO’s), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Teacher Trade Unions and Student Unions. The membership of ZANEC currently stands at 93 Member Organizations spread across the country.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    We are pleased to lead the 2023 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) commemoration which started on Monday, 29th May, 2023 and is ending today Friday, 2nd June 2023. The GAWE is very important to us as a Coalition  because  it is an annual event that encourages millions around the world to reflect on the progress they have made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4. GAWE provides national and regional education stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the progress Countries are making towards achieving SDG 4. .

    The theme for the 2023 GAWE is “Investing in a just world: Decolonising education financing”.  Indeed this theme is progressives as it calls all countries and all partners to take concrete actions to invest more equitably and efficiently in education. This is because taxes are the most stable and reliable sources of domestic revenue available to countries. Taxation is therefore fundamental to state building and forms the foundation of the social contract between the state and citizens. Without taxation, there can be no viable state. We are also hopeful that the revision of the 2013 curriculum which is currently taking place will produce a curriculum that is decolonized and localized to answer to the real needs of the people in Zambia.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    Furthermore, Domestic resource mobilization (DRM) through progressive taxation has proven to be the most sustainable and predictable source of revenue for all countries. In line with the theme for the GAWE “Decolonizing Education Financing”, we are calling for tax justice – shifting power to developing countries such as Zambia for a just world. We are aware that tax leakages have deprived Zambia of adequate resources to provide quality public services for all citizens. With the introduction of the “Free Education Policy from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to secondary education, Sustainable financing through domestic resource mobilisation for education is not only critical for the achievement of SDG 4, but can equally help reduce the need for external dependence and influence on our education agenda.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    We also take this opportunity to thank government for accelerating the implementation of decentralization by increasing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF). We also commend government for giving the mandate to communities to make decisions on developmental agendas such as the number of schools they want to construct in their communities, among other things. The recruitment of over 30, 000 teachers in 2022 and the planned recruitment of  4,500 teachers this year will represent a landmark achievement towards  improving the quality of our education system.  Furthermore, the increased funding towards the loans scholarship scheme and reintroduction of meal allowances for students in public universities is also progressive.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ZANEC also takes this opportunity to call upon the government through the Ministry of Education and education cooperating partners to urgently:

    • Localise education system that is decolonised and meets the real needs of the people in Zambia through Domestic Resource Mobilisation for home-grown solutions and decolonize Financing of Education.
    • Enhance advocacy for education to be available and accessible to all through adequate financing.
    • Decolonise Education Financing to invest adequate national resources for girls and marginalised children and youth in Zambia. Ensure that girls and women have equal opportunities to fulfil their right to education at all times regardless of the location and apply a gender perspective in the planning, budgeting and implementation.
    • It is important for our government to ensure that school buildings are accessible to children with physical disabilities; provide adequate teachers for training and support; flexible curriculum, and provide relevant materials like books and technologies for teaching learners with disabilities.
    • It is important to realise that inclusive education systems have the power to amplify the voices of children with disabilities so that they can be heard in decisions that affect their lives. Inclusive education systems can also help build capabilities and capacities of learners with disabilities to participate meaningfully in decision-making and in social, cultural, and economic development.
    • We are also hopeful that the revision of the 2013 curriculum which is currently taking place will produce a curriculum that is decolonized and localized to answer to the real needs of the people in Zambia. This is because the research study that ZANEC conducted last (2022) revealed that content and education approaches continue to reflect colonially bequeathed ways of knowing, which do not speak to society’s local needs and problems.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    We are also concerned that SDG 4 will not be realized by 2030 without a significant and well-targeted increase in domestic financing, particularly in countries like Zambia that are far from achieving quality education for all at all levels. The adherence to the international and regional benchmarks of allocating at least 4 – 6% of Gross Domestic Product and/or at least 15 – 20% of total public expenditure to education is very urgent.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    As we come to the close of the GAWE 2023 ZANEC  we need to remember that the state cannot use Aid, Debt or PPP to transform education into the type of the education system we all want. Instead, domestic taxes or domestic resource mobilization is the hallmark of decolonization of education financing for developing countries. Therefore, without levying fair taxes, combating tax evasions, reducing illicit financial flows and fighting corruption, decolonising education financing will remain a daunting task.

    I Thank You and May God Bless Zambia!