Author: ZANEC

Joint Press Statement on the 2023 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE)
Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) in collaboration with ActionAid TaxEd Alliance and National Quality for Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) are pleased to join the rest of the World in commemorating the Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) from Monday, 29^th May to Friday, 2^nd June 2023. The GAWE is an annual event organized by the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) through their National Education Coalition members to encourage 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 focused organisations an opportunity to make targeted efforts to achieve progress on the ground, with the added support of education campaigners and millions of members of the public worldwide joining together for the same cause.

The theme for the 2023 GAWE is “Investing in a just world: Decolonising education financing”. This call to action urges all countries and all partners to take concrete action both nationally and internationally in order to invest more equitably and efficiently in education. Decolonising education financing means changing the power dynamics between national governments and international donors, lenders and financial institutions. It also entails our dependance on taxation as a tool for domestic resource mobilization. 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.

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 the need 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 DRM 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.

We also take this opportunity to applaud the government for accelerating the implementation of decentralization by increasing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) from 25.7 million in 2022 to 28.3 million in 2023. 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.

It is important to mention that the 2023 GAWE will build on the Transforming Education Summit (TES) that was held in 2022 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly where Zambia participated through our Republican President and committed to take concrete actions for education financing as stated in the TES financing call to action. More specifically, within the decolonization of education financing perspective, Zambia committed to the following actions which we are expectant will be put into action:

1.Committed to reach an adequate tax-to-GDP ratio as required, through ambitious and progressive tax reforms aimed at progressively increasing the national education budget to at least 20% by 2030 to allow for the doubling of spending on education.
1. Prioritize global actions on taxes by supporting international reforms that can help countries increase their tax income in a rapid and progressive way, shifting international financial institutions country-level dialogue to be broader and more progressive on tax reforms, and ensuring global rules do not push countries into the “race to the bottom” in terms of taxes and harmful tax incentives. This includes: global action on tax loopholes, agreements on a global asset register, the reduction of illicit financial flows, unfair trade taxation, acting on tax havens and promoting a process for setting fair global tax rules.
2. Revise the international financial and debt architecture to ensure sufficient financing can be mobilized in support of long-term, sustainable development objectives, including by removing conditionalities that require cutting expenditure on education as a prerequisite to attain new financing, and using innovative tools such as debt-for-education swaps.
3. Support action on debt relief, restructuring, and in some cases, cancellation to ensure more resources are available for investment in education. This includes taking practical debt relief measures, such as the cancellation of the interest on public external debt and commission on the interest, while providing guarantees for transferring this difference to education under direct supervision of the Ministry of Education.
4. Develop new curricula by dismantling the existing ones to make them relevant, anti-oppressive, anti-patriarchal and anticolonial by among others localising the curricula by taking into account students’ perspectives.
5. Promote access to information by creating resources and tools to help communities understand and navigate the education financing system and hold decision-makers accountable for how funds are allocated.
6. Commit to open up national and education budget processes for public ownership and multi-stakeholder participation, especially civil society participation, in budget making, budget monitoring and review for enhanced inclusivity and accountability.
Finally, we would also like to take this opportunity to inform the general public that during the commemoration of the GAWE, we will be having a number of activities including a march past, exhibitions and some talk shows on some community radio stations countrywide to discuss various issues affecting education financing in Zambia. Therefore, we would like to encourage all our stakeholders to take time to tune in and take part in the ongoing campaign for this year’s GAWE.

We wish everyone God’s blessing as we commemorate the 2023 GAWE.

George Hamusunga

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
May 29, 2023
WELCOME REMARKS READ BY THE ZANEC BOARD MEMBER, CHAIRPERSON OF THE BASIC EDUCATION SUBSECTOR COMMITTEE MR. PAUL ZULU DURING THE MEETING ON NETWORK OF FEMALE STUDENTS HELD ON 23RD MARCH, 2023 IN KABWE
Representative from the Provincial Education Office

Representatives from the District Education Board Secretary

Deans of Students

Student Leaders

ZANEC Members

Civil Society Organisations

Members of the Press

May I simply say Ladies and Gentlemen, all Protocols observed

It is my singular honor and privilege to welcome you distinguished guests to this meeting on network of female students. Indeed, your presence in this meeting shows the importance you attach to issues of equal representation by both female and male students in leadership positions in higher learning institutions.

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 91 Member Organisations spread across the country.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) working with the Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) through its continued advocacy on academic freedom established the Network of Female Students to increase female student participation in student structures. Female students as leaders are critical in advancing gender justice and gender equality in the once male-dominated spaces. ZANEC has been having meetings to encourage female students to participate in leadership positions through the Network of Female Students. The recent meetings were held in Livingstone and at national level in Lusaka last year (2022). Through the network, a number of female students are now able to participate in decision-making positions. For the first time, Copperbelt University has a female President while the University of Zambia, Evelyn Hone College, Lusaka Vocational and Technical College as well as Kabwe Institute of Technology have female Vice Presidents in their student unions. In the 2021 Student Elections, ZANASU had its first female Vice Board Secretary and Treasurer.

However, even with the accomplishments stated above, it is sad to note that after 57 years of independence, the country only has 15% of women as Members of Parliament. Similarly, the entire ZANASU Congress and Executive put together has only two females out of 13 positions, representing 15%. To make matters worse there are only 5 female Cabinet Ministers out of 35 representing 14%. This is despite Zambia being a signatory to various protocols on Gender Equality such as the SADC Gender Protocol that provides for the 50–50 representation of men and women.

There are a number of factors or barriers that have contributed to low female participation in leadership positions such as:
- Sexual or gender-based violence: Sexual harassment, hostile work and learning environments.
- Cultural beliefs: In most cultures men are considered to be more superior than women and discriminatory attitudes and norms are carried on.
- Stereotypes: Because more men have been in leadership for so long, the leadership traits are thought of as masculine and not viewed favourably when exhibited by women.
- Lack of sponsorship or mentors to inspire young women and girls to participate in issues that concern them.
- Lack of education, information and resources.
It is in this vein that ZANEC has continued to support Female Student Network in Zambia whose aim is to inspire female leaders on the importance of holding leadership positions and female student empowerment in student structures.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The aim of this meeting is to sensitize female students on the importance of increased participation in student politics, leadership, and decision-making positions. Strengthen the female network and its coordination in Central Province as well as other parts of the country. Identify measures to strengthen female participation in student unionism. The expected outcomes are:
1. A common perspective on the role of female students in leadership.
2. Strategies to continue strengthening female participation in student unionism in higher learning institutions.
3. An understanding of patriarchal structures and dismantling gender norms.
4. Action plan for promoting female participation in higher learning institutions.
This meeting will be characterized by presentations on female students’ active participation in Leadership positions in colleges and universities. And another presentation on Female Network and its purpose. ZANEC is pleased because we are expected to come up with action points that we are encouraged to share in our higher learning institutions that we are representing and ensure more students act upon them to foster female participation.

Ladies and Gentlemen

ZANEC is grateful to the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH) for their financial support which has made it possible to hold this meeting today. We further thank them for the rest of the support that they have given the Coalition to promote education through research and advocacy particularly in higher learning institutions in Zambia.

I urge us all to fully participate in the deliberations as your contributions will help promote equal participation of male and female students in leadership positions.

Thank you and God Bless you
March 23, 2023
ZANEC Anti Corruption Fraud Policy

ZANEC Anti – Fraud and Corruption Policy 2022The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a Coalition of 91 non-state actors working in the Education and Skills Sector. Our mission is to serve as a coalition of education organizations promoting quality and inclusive education for all through research, influencing education policy and building capacities of education CSOs.

March 7, 2023
Expression of Interest to Mentor 10 Students in Academic Research to Promote Critical Thinking

Expression of Interest to Mentor 10 Students in Academic Research of Promote Critical Thinking

February 23, 2023
TORS to Conduct Research on the Status of Academic Freedom in Institutions of Higher Learning in Zambia

TORs to Conduct Research on the Status of Academic Freedom in Zambia

February 21, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

ISSUED ON 24^th JANUARY, 2023

ZANEC is pleased to join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Education which falls today. 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.

In line with this year’s theme which is “To Invest in People, Prioritise Education”, there are many compelling reasons why governments world over need to prioritize investment to the education sector. As a result of the important role that education plays in development, SDG4 on inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all lies at the center of the attainment of all SDGs. It is for this reason that UNESCO standards provide for allocation of at least 4% to 6% of GDP or 15% to 20% of national budgets to education. However, evidence has shown that although most developed countries pledged to allocate a total of US$110 billion between 2018 and 2021 under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) replenishment initiative, most developing countries failed to adhere to either of these benchmarks or the pledges.

Education financing particularly by African governments shows a dire picture due to low capacity of many of Countries to raise taxes coupled with the mounting debt burden. In Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs), it is estimated that an additional US$ 15.4 billion a year is needed to achieve SDG 4 targets by 2030. This entails doubling of current expenditure in LMICs in order to meet the SGD targets. For Zambia in particular, the share of the education budget over the SDG period has reduced from 20.2% in 2015 to 13.4% in 2023. To the contrary, the analysis of the education budgetary allocations by size from 2016 shows that the budget has doubled over the SDG period rising from ZMW9.1 billion in 2016 to ZMW23 billion in 2023. Despite the steady increase in the size of the education budget, there have been significant disparities between the approved budget and the amount released, with the performance of the budget averaging 91% since 2016, while majority (91%) of the education allocations are spent towards Personal Emoluments and Recurrent Departmental Charges.

Overall, Zambia’s education financing gap has been widening since 2016 reaching an estimated ZMW48.4 billion by 2022, translating into an average annual financing gap of ZMW6.9 billion. As a result, Zambia is on course only to achieving two out of the seven SDG targets by the year 2030 namely target 4.1 on the provision of free primary and secondary education as well as target 4.5 on eliminating all discrimination in education by 2030. To achieve the remaining targets, Zambia will need to restructure its debt portfolio in order to free financial resources that can be used to invest at least 20% of its budget towards the education and skills development sector.

For/ZANEC

George Hamusunga

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

January 30, 2023
ZANEC Press Statement on the Grade 12 Examination Results for 2022
The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has taken note of the statement by the Minister of Education Honorable Douglas Syakalima made on 20^th January 2023 during the release of the 2022 Grade 12 Examination Results.

ZANEC would like to congratulate the Ministry of Education on the efficient release of the Grade 12 results. This will allow those who did not do well to register for the 2023 external examinations before the registration deadline of 3^rd March 2023. We also recognize the increase in the number of candidates who obtained full certificates from 67.15% in 2022 to 69.31% in 2023 and the decline by 0.14% in the absenteeism rate. We are also pleased that the performance of examination candidates in practical subjects was above 50% and has remained high especially for subjects such as food and nutrition, design and technology as well as French. As we have stated before this shows that the vocational career pathway is also very viable and of great interest to our learners. ZANEC is also pleased to see that the Examination Council of Zambia is collaborating with international experts from other examination bodies in the assessment of Grade 12 candidates.

ZANEC is however concerned that:
1. The lowest percentage mean score was recorded in Mathematics (27.51%) again indicating that we need more teachers for mathematics in particular and STEM subjects in general.
2. Examination malpractices have continued as 97 individual candidates and 15 examination centers were suspected to be involved in malpractices.
3. ZANEC is still concerned that although there has been a progressive increase in the pass rate at Grade 12, the number of scholarships being offered by government to first year students have remained the same. As a result, not all students who have performed well are assured of progressing to tertiary level.
4. The government, through the Examinations Council of Zambia have not been able to conduct research to generate evidence on the reasons why so many candidates simply register but fail to sit for examinations. Such evidence can help government devise effective strategies for addressing the problem.
Overall, the increase in the pass rate is a clear demonstration that Zambia has fully remediated the impact of the COVID 19 on education considering that the candidates for the just released results lost a full term of learning in 2020 due to COVID 19. To this effect, we would like to congratulate the candidates who obtained certificates and our teachers for the job well done.

For/ZANEC

George Hamusunga

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
January 23, 2023
ZANEC Press Statement on the Grades 7 and 9 Examination Results for 2022

2^nd January 2023

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased with the timely release of release of the 2022 Grades 7 and 9 Examination Results that were announced statement by the Minister of Education Honorable Douglas Syakalima made on 30^th December 2022.

After a thorough analysis of the results, we applaud the Ministry of Education for the efficiency in handling the Grades 7 and 9 examinations. We are pleased that there was an increase of 7.86% and 9.80% in the number of candidates that sat for both Grade 7 and Grade 9 examinations respectively in 2022 compared to 2021. This increase can be partly attributed to the free education policy that has removed the financial barriers at secondary school level.

ZANEC is also pleased that the absenteeism rate for grade seven candidates reduced by 1.60, while that of grade 9 candidates reduced by 0.64. Other positive indicators include more girls completing Grades 7 and 9 as well as the ability by the Ministry of Education to have conducted leakage free examinations. We are also happy with the announcement by the Minister of Education that automatic progression from Grade 7 to Grade 8 will be abolished in 2023. This policy pronouncement is overdue as evidenced from the relatively poor Grade 7 results in which only 14.24% obtained division one, 27.03% obtained division two, 21.43% obtained division three and 37.30% obtained division four. Progression based on merit will ensure that those who proceed to grade 8 meet the required learning outcomes.

It is however sad to note that only 54.16% obtained Grade 9 certificates in 2022 compared to 54.43% in 2021, while 36.51% obtained statement of results, representing a decrease of 2.03%. This implies that 9.33% failed as they neither obtained certificates nor statement of results. However, we also note with sadness that the number of suspected examination malpractice at grade 9 for individuals was 30 and 17 whole centre cases, while two case were recorded for grade 7. We are however pleased that the Ministry has taken measures to ensure that the culprits are brought to book so that there is credibility in the examination process.

Finally, we would like to urge our parents and guardians to prepare adequately for the children’s timely return to school in January 2023.

For/ZANEC

George Hamusunga

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

January 23, 2023
POSITION OF PROGRAM OFFICER REGIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ZANEC

POSITION OF PROGRAM OFFICER REGIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ZANEC

December 30, 2022
POSITION OF A RESEARCH REGIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRMME ZANEC

Regional Exchange Postion of a Researcher

December 30, 2022