ZANEC

Category: Press Statement

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION 2025

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION 2025

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the world in commemorating the International Day of Education which falls on January 24th. This day holds great significance in the education calendar as it offers us an opportunity to reflect on education as a fundamental human right and its role in contributing to socio-economic development.

    This year’s International Day of Education is being commemorated under the theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” This theme inspires us to reflect on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand, and influence technological advancements. It also explores how education can empower people to comprehend and guide artificial intelligence, ensuring they retain control over this transformative technology and direct it towards objectives that respect human rights and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s International Day of Education emphasizes education as a fundamental human right while raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings to learning. It is an opportunity to celebrate how AI is transforming education, while also reflecting on the support learners and teachers need to use this technology responsibly within the education sector.

    According to research, artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the world, and education is no exception. This technology is being used to automate tasks, personalize learning, and create new educational experiences, leading to significant excitement about AI’s potential to transform education. However, there are also concerns about the ethical implications of AI in education and educational administration. ZANEC, therefore, recognizes the need for careful planning regarding the future of AI in education to ensure that it is used responsibly to improve education for all students, while also examining the new possibilities AI offers, particularly in teaching, learning, assessment, and educational administration.

    ZANEC holds the view that it is crucial to implement the UNESCO AI competency frameworks for teachers and students fully. These frameworks guide educators on the use and potential misuse of AI in education. They also define the knowledge, skills, and values that teachers must acquire in the age of AI, while preparing learners to become responsible and creative citizens in this era.

    In line with this year’s theme, ZANEC calls on the government to:

    • Introduce an AI policy to guide schools and learners in the adoption and utilization of AI tools and technologies in learning.
    • Promote the development of critical AI literacy by equipping educators and learners with the competencies needed to understand, use, and influence AI technologies, in alignment with the UNESCO AI competency frameworks for teachers and students.
    • Improve ICT infrastructure and expand access to stable internet connectivity, enabling teachers and learners to effectively use AI tools and technologies

    These recommendations are important because they promote learners’ and educators’ access to training on the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, enabling them to make informed decisions about its use in their learning.

    Finally, ZANEC wishes all educators and learners a safe, happy, and successful commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Education.

    For/ZANEC

    George Hamusunga

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ZANEC is therefore recommending that:

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

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

    For/ZANEC

     

    George Hamusunga

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    However, ZANEC is saddened with: – 

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

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

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

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

    For/ZANEC

     

    Henry Kabwe

    BOARD CHAIRPERSON

     

  • SPEECH BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR HENRY KABWE DELIVERED DURING THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS MEDIA AWARDS HELD ON THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2024 AT GOLDEN PEACOCK HOTEL IN LUSAKA

    SPEECH BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON MR HENRY KABWE DELIVERED DURING THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS MEDIA AWARDS HELD ON THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2024 AT GOLDEN PEACOCK HOTEL IN LUSAKA

    THE GUEST OF HONOUR THE PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MR. JOEL KAMOKO

    MEDIA INSTITUTE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (MISA) ZAMBIA

    INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (IBA)

    REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS MEDIA HOUSES

    ZANEC MEMBER ORGANISATIONS, BOARD AND SECRETARIAT

    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. YOUR PRESENCE HERE IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED, AS IT REFLECTS YOUR RECOGNITION OF THE MEDIA’S VITAL ROLE IN PROMOTING THE DELIVERY OF QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL.

    FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR, ZANEC IS A COALITION OF NON-STATE ACTORS DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR. THE ORGANIZATION FOCUSES ON RESEARCH, ADVOCACY, AND BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF ITS MEMBERS. ZANEC’S MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBOS), FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (FBOS), NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS), TEACHER TRADE UNIONS, AND STUDENT UNIONS. CURRENTLY, ZANEC BOASTS A DIVERSE NETWORK OF 93 MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, REPRESENTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S MEDIA AWARDS IS “TRANSFORMING EDUCATION THROUGH INCLUSIVE REPORTING: AMPLIFYING VOICES FOR EQUITY AND QUALITY IN EDUCATION.”  IT IS THEREFORE APPARENT THAT THE MEDIA PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. THROUGH SPOTLIGHTING THE NEED FOR INCLUSIVE, HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION, THE MEDIA CAN INSPIRE DECISION-MAKERS, COMMUNITIES, AND FAMILIES TO INVEST IN SYSTEMS THAT EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR DEVELOPMENT.

    THE THEME HIGHLIGHTS THE MEDIA’S VITAL ROLE IN DRIVING EDUCATIONAL REFORM BY GIVING A PLATFORM TO MARGINALIZED VOICES AND SHEDDING LIGHT ON ISSUES OF INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION.  IT ALSO CONNECTS INCLUSIVE REPORTING TO THE BROADER GOALS OF EQUITY WHICH INCLUDE FAIR ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES REGARDLESS OF BACKGROUND AND QUALITY WHICH ENSURES THAT ALL LEARNERS RECEIVE EDUCATION THAT MEETS GLOBAL STANDARDS.

    THE MEDIA’S FOCUS ON THESE AREAS CAN INFLUENCE POLICYMAKERS, STAKEHOLDERS, AND THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS GAPS AND PRIORITIZE EDUCATIONAL REFORMS. THE MEDIA CAN THEREFORE ADVOCATE FOR EQUITABLE ACCESS AND IMPROVED QUALITY IN EDUCATION, INSPIRING ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM STAKEHOLDERS.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    THE OBJECTIVE OF THE AWARDS IS TO PROMOTE 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 FREEDOMS AND INCLUSIVE QUALITY EDUCATION AMONG OTHERS.
    2. IT IS ALSO EXPECTED THAT THE MEDIA WILL BE MOTIVATED TO REPORT ON ECD-RELATED ADVOCACY AND ITS IMPORTANCE.
    3. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MEDIA WILL BE REPORTING OBJECTIVELY ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR IN THE COUNTRY.
    4. INCREASED ZANEC VISIBILITY THROUGH THE MEDIA REPORTS AND NEWS.

    THE AWARDS WILL BE IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES

    1. SKILLS AND TERTIARY EDUCATION – WITH A BIAS TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING.
    2. YOUTH AND ADULT LITERACY EDUCATION (YALE).
    3. GENDER AND EQUITY.
    4. EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD).

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IN THE 2024 MEDIA AWARDS, THE JUDGES NOTED WITH CONCERN THAT THE JOURNALISTS DID NOT FOLLOW THE TERMS OF REFERENCES (TORS) OF THE AWARDS THUS RENDERING MOST OF THE STORIES TO BE DISQUALIFIED. A TOTAL OF FIFTEEN (15) ENTRIES IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES WERE DISQUALIFIED ON THE BASIS THAT THEY WERE ENTERED IN THE WRONG CATEGORIES, WHICH WERE OUTSIDE THE CATEGORIES BEING ENTERED FOR AND ADVERTISED, OTHERS WERE DUE TO THE USE OF LOCAL LANGUAGE WITHOUT TRANSLATION. IT WAS ALSO NOTED THAT MOST JOURNALISTS DID NOT SHOW PROOF THAT THEIR WORKS HAD BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE MEDIA. SOME JOURNALISTS DID NOT TAKE THE TIME TO PUT UP WELL-RESEARCHED PUBLICATIONS.

    IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING;

    • ALL ELECTRONIC ARTICLES MUST SHOW PROOF THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE MEDIA. THIS CAN BE VERIFIED BY THE SIG TUNE AND THE FIRST PART OF THE NEWS WITH HEADLINES AND THE STORY THAT FOLLOWS. FOR THESE ENTRIES, THEY MUST CLEARLY SHOW AN EXCERPT FROM THE NEWS ITEM, SHOWING THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY IN THE NEWS.
    • ONLINE ENTRIES MUST HAVE A DIRECT LINK TO THE BLOG TO SHOW PROOF THAT IT WAS PUBLISHED ONLINE.
    • JOURNALISTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ENTER THEIR BEST WORK PER CATEGORY.
    • FOR THOSE MAKING SUBMISSIONS VIA ONLINE, RADIO AND TELEVISION, THE WORK SHOULD BE SENT IN STANDARD FORMAT, E.G. VIDEO, MP4, AUDIO MP3 AND PICTURES OR PHOTOS IN JPEG.
    • PRINT ARTICLES FOR EXAMPLE FROM THE NEWSPAPERS CAN ALSO BE SENT VIA PDF.
    • THE CALL FOR ENTRIES SHOULD CLEARLY STATE THE NEED FOR ORIGINALITY AND INNOVATION, MOST OF THE STORIES LACK IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS.
    • JOURNALISTS SHOULD SHOW CLEARLY THE CATEGORIES THEY HAVE ENTERED FOR AND FOLLOW THE TERMS OF REFERENCE.

     

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    ZANEC TAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE OUR FUNDING PARTNER NORWEGIAN STUDENTS’ AND ACADEMIC INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND (SAIH) WHO HAVE 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.

    WE ALSO APPRECIATE THE EDUCATION OUT LOUD – GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION THROUGH THE TRANAC CONSORTIUM WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS.

    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 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For/ZANEC

    Petronella Isiteketo

    ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)

  • ZANEC 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 global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child which falls on 11th October. This international commemoration allows us to reflect on our achievements and shortcomings in addressing the challenges that girls are facing in realizing their right to education, and in ensuring a better tomorrow for them.

    The theme for this year is “Girls’ Vision for the Future”. The theme is reminding us to empower girls, amplify their voices, and support them through progressive strategies and policies that ensure a better future for our Girls. Girl child education is vital to the growth of a nation as they will be well equipped to contribute effectively to the family, community, and national economic development as well as the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Indeed, as one famous African proverb states “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation”.  Therefore, it is good for Zambia to ensure that all girls are educated regardless of their ability, social, cultural, and economic status and location. As this will not only contribute to national development but also reduce high poverty levels among women and enhance household productivity and financial independence.

    Supporting the vision of the girl child is critical to realizing a future where every girl can reach her full potential and create lasting change in our country. To ensure a future where every girl has a right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, free from the barriers of discrimination, inequality, and violence.   Therefore, we need to invest in the education and well-being of girls as our future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will drive social and economic progress. By promoting their talents and providing them with equal opportunities, we enable girls to fulfill their dreams, break cycles of poverty, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    It is sad to note that despite, many international declarations, development goals, and the government’s significant efforts to promote girl child education, globally 122 million girls are out of school, and women still account for almost two-thirds of adults unable to read and write.  In Zambia, 29% of girls get married before the age of 18, and currently women represent only 14.97% of Members of Parliament an indication that gender disparity in education and key decision-making positions continues to exist.

    Furthermore, it is unfortunate that the cases of early marriages and teenage pregnancies account for the large number of girls who are out of school. It is also evident that more girls in rural areas still struggle to access learning opportunities, due to inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and negative cultural norms and practices that continue to affect girls’ education. According to the 2020 Education Statistical Bulletin produced by the Ministry of Education, as a country, we have 105,700 girls who are out of school as a result of the high drop-out rate. Additionally, 16,491 girls got pregnant, and only 7,954 were readmitted representing a 48.4% readmission rate.

    The above statistics are an indication that more needs to be done so that a girl child has an equal opportunity for quality and equitable education to safeguard her future. We, therefore, take this opportunity to urge the Ministry of Education and all other relevant stakeholders to leverage international instruments and focus on the effective implementation and enforcement of various national policies and Acts that safeguard, protect, and promote girl’s tights such as the Children’s Code Act No.12 of 2022, Child Participation Policy, Gender Equity and Equality Act No. 22 of 2015, Anti Gender-Based Violence Act No. 1 of 2011, the Free Education Policy and the Re-entry Policy Guidelines among others.

    Finally, we wish all our girls a fruitful commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

    For/ZANEC 

     

    George Hamusunga

    Executive Director

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join all teachers worldwide in commemorating World Teachers’ Day, which falls on October 5th. We are glad that the government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Education has rescheduled this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration from Saturday 5th October, to Friday, 4th October, 2024  to ensure full participation by all stakeholders. This day is dedicated to celebrating all our educators in public schools, community schools, grant-aided schools and private schools in our early childhood education centres, primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and adult literacy centres. World Teachers’ Day is special because it serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in the education and skills sector. It is an opportunity to celebrate how teachers are transforming our society while also reflecting on the support they need to fully realize their potential.

    This year’s World Teachers’ Day theme “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education”  focuses on recognising and appreciating teachers’ voices.  This theme highlights the need to address the systemic challenges teachers face and establish a more inclusive dialogue about their role in education. It also underscores the urgency of calling for and attending to teachers’ voices to address their challenges and, most importantly, to acknowledge and benefit from the expert knowledge and contributions they make to education.

    As ZANEC, we recognize the urgent need to transform the teaching profession into a more attractive and valued career in our country. We take this opportunity to advocate for a dignified and respected teaching profession. To achieve this transformation, it is crucial that we actively listen to teachers and incorporate their insights into decision-making processes that concern them. Through fostering an environment where teachers feel respected and empowered, we can create a supportive framework that enhances their ability to inspire and educate effectively. The education system, communities, and families have to recognise, appreciate and actively support teachers as they are key to meaningful social and human development because of the pivotal role they play. This World Teachers’ Day therefore serves as a reminder that when we value and invest in our teachers, we not only uplift the profession but also enrich the educational experience for all learners.

    Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future in education, where every teacher is recognized as a vital contributor to the success of our learners and society as a whole.

    Therefore, ZANEC is of the considered view that it is important to implement fully the International Labour Organisation (ILO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendations concerning the Status of Teachers that were adopted in 1966. Among other recommendations includes:-

    • All aspects of the preparation and employment of teachers should be free from any form of discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national or social origin, or economic condition.
    • Working conditions for teachers should be such as will best promote effective learning and enable teachers to concentrate on their professional tasks.
    • Teachers’ organizations should be recognized as a force which can contribute greatly to educational advancement and which therefore should be associated with the determination of educational policy.

    In line with this year’s theme, ZANEC also calls on the government:

    1. To create inclusive platforms where teachers can participate in shaping educational policies. Involving teachers in decision-making processes ensures that we develop policies that reflect the realities of both teachers and learners.
    2. To continue providing platforms for training and professional development opportunities for all teachers, which are essential for enhancing their skills.
    3. To ensure competitive remuneration, decent accommodation, and good conditions of service for teachers. This is vital for attracting more qualified and motivated individuals to the profession, thereby addressing the challenge of teacher shortages.

    We take this opportunity to appeal to the Ministry of Education to continue the recruitment of teachers to reduce the high teacher-to-pupil ratio in schools, which will enhance the quality of learner outcomes. Additionally, the Teaching Service Commission must ensure that teachers’ conditions are adequately addressed in both public and private schools, particularly where adherence to labour laws presents challenges.

    Finally, ZANEC extends its wishes to all teachers to have a safe, happy, and successful commemoration of the 2024 World Teachers’ Day.

    For/ZANEC

     

    George Hamusunga

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 2025 NATIONAL BUDGET ISSUED ON THE 1ST OCTOBER 2024

    ZANEC PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 2025 NATIONAL BUDGET ISSUED ON THE 1ST OCTOBER 2024

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has reviewed the 2025 National Budget that was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane on Friday, 27th September 2024. Overall, we are pleased with the following education budget measures: –

    1. We are pleased that the government has completed construction of 151 secondary schools out of 317 that are being constructed cross the country. Our hope is that the construction of the remaining schools will be completed soon so that we can increase access to free secondary education.
    2. It is good that government is also constructing 480 early childhood education centres, earmarked for completion by the end of 2025 as Early Childhood Education is critical for the development of foundational skills.
    3. ZANEC is also happy that 812,598 desks have been procured, out of which 712,562, or 87 percent, were acquired using Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
    4. Government’s commitment towards addressing the challenge of accommodation in public universities is welcome and should be applauded. The planned construction of 58 hostel blocks across the eight public universities with a total bed capacity of 9,280 will go a long way in addressing the accommodation crisis in our public universities.
    5. It is pleasing that the government under TEVET has completed the construction of Mporokoso and Lundazi Trades Training institutes and the student hostels at Ukwimi and Chipata Trades; and for equipping them with state-of-the-art training equipment.
    6. ZANEC is pleased that K150 million has been allocated for the implementation of the new national education curriculum as the curriculum is progressive and will promote lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and practical skills.
    7. ZANEC welcomes the increase in the allocation to the School Feeding Programme to K534.4 million in 2025 from K 7 million in 2024 as it will keep learners in school and improve learning outcomes.

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

    1. ZANEC notes with sadness that the allocation to the education sector has reduced from 15.4% in 2024 to 14.5% in 2025.

    It is important as we have stated before that 20% of the total budget should be allocated to the education sector in line with the SADC and Cairo Protocols on Education.

    1. This will allow the country to make adequate investments in improving quality education for all. It will also aid in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.
    2. The recruitment of 2,000 teachers in 2025 is welcome; however, we recommend that the recruitment takes place in the first quarter of 2025. Otherwise, the delayed recruitment and replacement of teachers has had a negative impact on the teacher/pupil ratio. For instance, the delayed recruitment of the 4,500 teachers that were planned for in 2024 is not good for the sector.
    3. Although the CDF allocations are welcome, government needs to address the bottlenecks that are leading to its underutilisation. Continuing increasing the CDF without addressing the capacity gaps is counterproductive.

     

    For/ ZANEC

    George Hamusunga

    Executive Director

  • ZANEC 2025 PRE-BUDGET PRESS STATEMENT ON THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR

    ZANEC 2025 PRE-BUDGET PRESS STATEMENT ON THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR

    The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased that the 2025 National Budget will be presented by the Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane (MP) on Friday 27th September 2024.  It is in this vein that we would like to highlight our expectations on the  2025 national budget detailed in this statement which were also submitted to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

    Specifically, our expectations on the revenue side of the budget are as follows:

    1. Introduce an Education Levy that can help with resource generation for the education sector.
    2. Ease the logistical burden of tax compliance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through the use of innovative low-cost solutions that can enhance tax compliance.
    3. There is need to improve awareness of the tax system and contributions from the informal sector including the Small and Medium Enterprises.
    4. The Government should remove the deductable mineral royalty for corporate income tax assessment purposes to mitigate the current loss of an estimated K3.2 billion which can be redirected towards the education sector.
    5. The PAYE tax bands should be adjusted to introduce additional brackets for more progressive taxation: This proposal considers the high cost of living in the country, with inflation at 15.5% as of August 2024. Additionally, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) reports that the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for August in Lusaka rose to K10,669.33, for a family of five.
    6. Reduce FISP expenditure by 50% and redirect the funds towards empowering Zambia National Service (ZNS) among others to increase their production of maize.
    7. Reduce VAT from 16% to 13% and increase non-refundable taxes. The ZRA continues to face challenges due to the inability to trace back the transactions of claimed input VAT (refund VAT) filed by buyers due to the size or formality of suppliers.

    Expectations on the expenditure side of the budget are as follows.

    1. It is imperative to devote a minimum of 20% of the national budget towards the Education sector. This will aid in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 and commitments made during the Transforming Education Summit (TES) 2022, which are essential for the attainment of equitable and quality education for all.
    2. Ensure that at least 10% of the total number of teachers deployed annually should be Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers and caregivers.
    3. Increase allocation for ECE grants from 2.28% to 4% in the 2025 budget. The current allocation per school is not adequate.
    4. Provide for construction of more infrastructure for secondary schools; Boarding facilities and teachers’ houses to address the challenges of inadequate secondary, boarding schools and decent houses for teachers.
    5. Increase the allocation to the skills and tertiary sector from 8.7% in 2024 to 12% of the total education budget in 2025.
    6. Increase the percentage allocation to Youth Adult Literacy and Education (YALE) to at least 2% from the current 0.2% of the total Education budget which has remained constant for 3 years. This will help operationalise the YALE Policy; employ specialised adult learning instructors; conduct sensitisation on YALE lessons; provide more teaching and learning materials, provide appropriate skills training.
    7. Allocate resources aimed at promoting inclusive education to help promote access to education for learners with disabilities and learners with special education needs.

    I thank you.

    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, 2024.  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 including our own country.

    The theme for this year is “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now”. The aspect of ‘education for all’ is key because the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child under Article 11(1) states that ‘Every child shall have the right to an education’. Education is a right for all children in Africa despite their location, race, parental status, disability, gender, and any other status.  As ZANEC, we are pleased with the government pronouncement and implementation of the Free Education Policy from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through to Primary and Secondary Education. This policy is important in that it gives an opportunity for every child to access education in our beloved Country. Education for all children should be the cornerstone of every country in Africa because of its potential to transform our countries into developed and prosperous nations. It is a fact that countries and continents that are thriving economically have and continue to make substantial investments in the education of their citizens and people.

    However, for Zambia to benefit from the free education policy, ZANEC recommends the following in line with the commitments outlined by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of Children:

    • To assess the status of education by collecting updated and desegregated data on school enrolment, completion, out-of-school children and other key indicators relevant in especially with the free education in from ECE to secondary education.

     

    • To take deliberate measures and increase the budget allocated for education to enhance access and quality of education for all of at least 20% national budget to education as stimulated by the Cairo and SADC protocols which Zambia is part of. The financing to education should be mobilized through domestic funds and international cooperation.
    • To build more schools that are child-friendly and accessible to children with disabilities in areas where there are fewer schools.
    • To identify vulnerabilities and other factors affecting the enrolment, passing, and completion rates and devise programmes addressing the addressed factors such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and economic factors. Fully implement the School Re-entry Policy.
    • To renovate schools to ensure that they are disability friendly and provide sanitation and hygiene facilities.
    • To recruit more teachers and reduce the teacher-to-student ratio, especially in marginalized and remote areas, and build the capacity of teachers through continuous training.
    • To establish alternative learning for children who are out of school, in vulnerable situations, in the workforce, or in street situations.
    • Put in modalities in the shortest time to ensure the implementation of the new education curriculum from ECE to primary and secondary education. Further, integrate human rights education through full implementation of the Life Skills and Health Education.

    Finally, we appeal to all stakeholders that the time to provide quality education for all children is now and requires concerted effort. Therefore, let us all be involved in the education of our children to secure a bright future for our country, communities, and families.

    For/ZANEC

    George Hamusunga

    Executive Director