ZANEC

Category: Speeches

  • Welcoming remarks to be read by the ZANEC Vice Board Secretary, Mr. Chisanga Mumba during the meeting on the creation of a network for learners with disabilities in universities and colleges to support their rights to education on 13th July 2022 in Livingstone

    Welcoming remarks to be read by the ZANEC Vice Board Secretary, Mr. Chisanga Mumba during the meeting on the creation of a network for learners with disabilities in universities and colleges to support their rights to education on 13th July 2022 in Livingstone

    The Ministry of Education Representative

    Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities Representative

    Management and Lecturers Present

    Student Union Leaders and Students from various Universities and Colleges Present

    Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Present

    Members of the Press

    May I simply say all Protocols observed

    It is an honour and privilege to welcome you all to this meeting.  Your presence is very important to ZANEC as it will go a long way in ensuring that we support the students with disabilities’ right to education in our higher learning institutions, in a coordinated manner.

     

    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 89 Member Organisations spread across the country.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    The objective of this meeting is to facilitate the creation of a network for learners with disabilities in universities and colleges in order to have a coordinated approach in their quest for quality and inclusive education at their institutions of higher learning.

    Furthermore, the expected Outcomes are:

    • To establish a network that would help coordinate discussion of advocacy issues pertaining to students with disabilities.
    • Discuss how best ZANEC can support them in their advocacy work.
    • A communique of recommendations which will be co-signed by major stakeholders.

    It is important to mention that in Zambia, learners with disabilities face several challenges in their quest to access education. Although Zambia boasts of a number of schools that cater for the needs of learners with special needs, the passing of the 2012 Persons with Disability Act was a milestone in the Zambian government’s quest for the provision of inclusive education. However, a study conducted by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in 2018 on Disability and education highlights several challenges that learners with disabilities are still facing in their pursuit to access quality education, especially higher education. Further, those who are already in higher learning institutions face a number of challenges. This includes difficulties in accessing buildings such as libraries, access to materials for visually impaired students and deaf students and lack of inclusion in certain study programmes. This makes their learning far much more challenging than other students.

    This state of affairs has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the systemic exclusion of students with disabilities from accessing remote learning. This came to light during the third Annual Students and Management Dialogue Forum on remote learning for Students with Disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic facilitated by ZANEC on 22nd September 2021.

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    Facts show that although students with disabilities try to lobby their institutional management to look into their plight by forming associations for learners with disabilities, there is no coordination in their advocacy work as they are limited to their institutional spaces. Therefore, it is important that for their voices to carry more weight, there is a need for them to have a common platform where their advocacy work can be coordinated.

    Ladies and gentlemen

    The disabilities Act of 2012 highlights many entitlements for persons with disabilities at higher institutions but most of these are yet to be fulfilled by most institutions of higher learning in Zambia.   Hence, for Zambia to meet the SDG4 targets on eliminating discrimination in education, building and upgrading inclusive and safe schools,  as well as national plans of not leaving anyone behind, it is important that there is a network of students with disabilities that is well-coordinated nationwide so that their right to education is sustained and supported.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ZANEC expresses its gratitude to the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC) for the financial support that has made it possible to hold this meeting- as we work toward attainment of quality education for all.

    With these few remarks, I wish you a fruitful meeting.

    Thank you and God bless you all.

  • OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR TWAAMBO ELVIS MUTINTA, MP, AT THE PRE-BUDGET DIALOGUE FORUM HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE, 2022 AT THE TAJ PAMODZI HOTEL, LUSAKA

    OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR TWAAMBO ELVIS MUTINTA, MP, AT THE PRE-BUDGET DIALOGUE FORUM HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE, 2022 AT THE TAJ PAMODZI HOTEL, LUSAKA

    HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

    MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OFFICIALS

    MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING OFFICIALS

    REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COOPERATING PARTNERS

    CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS PRESENT

    ZANEC BOARD MEMBERS

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

    MAY I SIMPLY SAY ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED

    GOOD MORNING

    I AM DELIGHTED TO GIVE THE OPENING REMARKS AT THIS IMPORTANT PRE- BUDGET DIALOGUE FORUM THIS MORNING.

    AS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH IMPORTANT CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS THAT ARE PROGRESSIVE IN ENSURING THAT THE FUNDING TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR IS IMPROVED.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT   PLAY A CARDINAL ROLE IN THE NATIONAL BUDGET PROCESS, AND, THEREFORE, ATTENDING SUCH MEETINGS HELPS THEM IN GETTING THE VIEWS OF THE VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR. THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ROLE THAT CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS PLAY IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THIS COUNTRY.

    FELLOW PARTICIPANTS, THE EDUCATION SECTOR IS THE LIFELINE OF ANY COUNTRY AND HENCE THE IMPORTANCE THAT IT HAS IN OUR COUNTRY CANNOT BE OVER-EMPHASISED. IN THIS REGARD, MATTERS BORDERING ON FUNDING TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR AND HOW THE FUNDING IS   USED ARE VITAL NOT ONLY TO THE GOVERNMENT BUT TO ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED IN THE SECTOR.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AS THE COMMITTEES ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; AND PLANNING AND BUDGETING, WE PLEDGE TO WORK WITH ALL OF YOU STAKEHOLDERS IN ENSURING THAT WE FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE MANY PROBLEMS AFFECTING OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM, SUCH AS OVERCROWDING IN CLASSROOMS, LACK OF ACCOMMODATION FOR TEACHERS, EARLY MARRIAGES, TEENAGE PREGNANCIES, AND INADEQUATE BOARDING FACILITIES IN RURAL AREAS.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AS WE ATTEND THIS DIALOGUE FORUM, I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE FREELY. LET ME ALSO BE QUICK TO MENTION THAT AS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, WE PLEDGE TO TAKE ON BOARD THE PROPOSALS THAT WILL BE MADE HERE AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE DELIBERATED ON DURING THE DEBATE ON THE NATIONAL BUDGET.

    AS I CONCLUDE, LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE ZANEC, ACTIONAID AND NATIONAL ACTION FOR QUALITY EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA FOR FACILITATING THIS ONE-DAY MEETING, WHERE ALL KEY PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR CAN HAVE A PLATFORM TO DISCUSS THE FINANCING FOR THE SECTOR IN THE 2023 NATIONAL BUDGET.

    I THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL

  • WELCOMING REMARKS BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON AT THE PRE-BUDGET DIALOGUE FORUM HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE, 2022 AT THE TAJ PAMODZI HOTEL

    WELCOMING REMARKS BY THE ZANEC BOARD CHAIRPERSON AT THE PRE-BUDGET DIALOGUE FORUM HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE, 2022 AT THE TAJ PAMODZI HOTEL

    HONORABLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

    MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OFFICIALS PRESENT

    MINISTRY OF FINANCE OFFICIALS PRESENT

    COOPERATING PARTNERS PRESENT

    CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS PRESENT

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

    MAY I SIMPLY SAY ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED

     

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I AM DELIGHTED TO DELIVER THE WELCOME REMARKS THIS MORNING AT THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING.

    EVERY YEAR, THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE CALLS UPON THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE NEXT NATIONAL BUDGET. THIS YEAR, THE CALL WAS MADE ON TUESDAY 24TH MAY 2022, WITH A DEADLINE OF 30TH JUNE FOR SUBMISSIONS.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BEING A SIGNATORY TO BOTH THE CAIRO AND THE SADC PROTOCOLS, ZAMBIA HAS COMMITTED TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST 20% OF ITS TOTAL NATIONAL BUDGET TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR. HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN NOTED THAT ALLOCATION TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR HAS GRADUALLY BEEN REDUCING IN THE LAST SIX YEARS FROM 20.2% IN 2015 TO 10.4% IN 2022, A FURTHER REDUCTION FROM LAST YEAR’S 11.5%. THIS REPRESENTS A TOTAL OF 51.4% REDUCTION IN THE LAST SIX YEARS. THIS IS ALARMING, CONSIDERING THAT THE QUALITY OF SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR HAS BARELY IMPROVED IN THE LAST SIX YEARS.

    WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE EDUCATION FOR ALL POLICY AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT FUNDING TOWARDS THE EDUCATION SECTOR IS INCREASED. THIS IS BECAUSE THE HIGH ENROLLMENT LEVELS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR CALL FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN MOST SCHOOLS IF CHALLENGES SUCH AS THE HIGH TEACHER-PUPIL RATIOS WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN SCHOOLS FAILING TO ADHERE TO SOME OF THE COVID-19 HEALTH GUIDELINES SUCH AS SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE TO BE MITIGATED.

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT ZANEC IN COLLABORATION WITH ACTIONAID UNDER ITS TAX AND EDUCATION ALLIANCE, AND GEAR ALLIANCE UNDER THE NATIONAL ACTION FOR QUALITY EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA (NAQEZ). AND THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION (GPE) UNDER ITS EDUCATION OUTLOUD CAMPAIGN IS CONDUCTING THIS STAKEHOLDERS’ PRE-BUDGET FORUM TO DISCUSS FUTURE FINANCING TO THE SECTOR.

    I THEREFORE WELCOME YOU ALL TO THIS IMPORTANT EVENT AND URGE YOU TO PARTICIPATE SO THAT OUR GOAL FOR THIS MEETING IS ACTUALISED.

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND WELCOME!!!

  • SPEECH READ BY THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION, HONOURABLE DOUGLAS SYAKALIMA, MP, DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION (GAWE)

    SPEECH READ BY THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION, HONOURABLE DOUGLAS SYAKALIMA, MP, DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION (GAWE)

    DEAR COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN

    IT IS A PRIVILEGE AND AN HONOUR TO LAUNCH THE 2022 GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION (GAWE).

    THE GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION (GAWE) IS AN EVENT COORDINATED BY THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION (GCE) TO ENCOURAGE MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD TO ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES IN THEIR COUNTRIES TO REFLECT ON THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS IN EDUCATION SUCH AS THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL NUMBER 4 (SDG4). GAWE IS, THEREFORE, ONE OF THE MAJOR CAMPAIGNS FOR THE EDUCATION MOVEMENT.

     

    THE 2022 GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION IS BEING COMMEMORATED UNDER THE THEME “PROTECT EDUCATION IN EMERGENCIES NOW!”.  INDEED, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROTECT AND SAFE GUARD EDUCATION AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING IN EMERGENCIES SUCH AS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WHICH HAS HIT THE WORLD AND HAS AFFECTED THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN AN UNMAGINABLE WAY. THIS IS BECAUSE LEARNING IS NO LONGER TAKING PLACE IN THE SAME WAY IT USED TO .

    MY GOVERNMENT IS VERY MUCH AWARE THAT EDUCATION IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT WHICH SHOULD BE ACCESSED BY EVERYONE EVEN DURING EMERGENCIES SUCH AS THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC. AS A MINISTRY, WE ARE COGNISANT OF THE FACT THAT THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC HAS WORSENED THE ALREADY EXISTING INEQUALITIES IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR.  THEREFORE, THE MINISTRY IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO  MITIGATE THESE INEQUALITIES SO THAT NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND.

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN,

    THE VISION OF MY GOVERNMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY CHILD IS PROVIDED WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACCESS EDUCATION FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD TO TERTIARY. THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WAS AN EYE OPENER TO THE WORLD THAT INVESTMENT IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR IS A PRIORITY. THAT IS WHY MY GOVERNMENT IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THE ENVIRONMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS IS SAFE AND HEALTH FOR BOTH OUR LEARNERS AND TEACHERS.

     

     

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN,

    IN ORDER TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND FOSTER EQUALITY IN THE ACCESS TO EDUCATION, THE NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED FREE EDUCATION FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD TO SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL. FURTHERMORE, EQUITY IN THE ACCESS TO EDUCATION IS BEING FOSTERED THROUGH THE PROVISION OF BURSARIES UNDER THE CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF).  AS A GOVERNMENT, IT IS OUR DESIRE THAT THERE IS CONTINUITY OF LEARNING EVEN AMIDIST EMERGENCIES.

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTHS AND CHILDREN,

    IT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION (GCE) MOVEMENT HAS JOINTLY DEVELOPED POLICY REQUESTS FOR THE CAMPAIGN DURING THIS YEAR’S GAWE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE DEMANDS WHICH MY GOVERNMENT PLEDGES TO ADDRESS.

    1. PROTECT AND GUARANTEE THE FULFILLMENT OF THE RIGHT TO PUBLIC QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL IN-AMIDST COVID 19, BY PROVIDING EMPOWERING, SAFE, RESPECTFUL, INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL LEARNERS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR LEGAL STATUS, AGE, GENDER, DISABILITY, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS, ETHNICITY, RACE OR ANY OTHER FORM OF DISCRIMINATION AND EXCLUSION.
    2. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT CRISIS-SENSITIVE NATIONAL EDUCATION PLANS AND BUDGETS, INTEGRATING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MEASURES INTO THE EDUCATION SECTOR PLANNING TO ENSURE THE FULFILLMENT OF THE RIGHT TO QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL.
    3. LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF THE PEOPLE AFFECTED AND THE LOCAL ACTORS (INCLUDING LOCAL CIVIL SOCIETY, TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS, CHILDREN AND YOUTH GROUPS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES), WHILE ACKNOWLEDGING THEIR CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE RESPONSE
    4. ENSURE SUFFICIENT, SUSTAINABLE AND PREDICTABLE FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AMIDST THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC, BY ALLOCATING AT LEAST 10% OF THE EDUCATION BUDGET TOWARDS MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF COVID 19, INCLUDING FULLY SUPPORTING THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION’S (GPE) EDUCATION CANNOT WAIT (ECW) REPLENISHMENT PROCESS
    5. ENSURE THAT GIRLS AND WOMEN HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO FULFILL THEIR RIGHT TO EDUCATION IN EMERGENCY CONTEXTS AND APPLY A GENDER PERSPECTIVE IN THE PLANNING, BUDGETING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS.
    6. ENSURE THAT LEARNERS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO FULFILL THEIR RIGHT TO EDUCATION IN EMERGENCY CONTEXTS AND APPLY AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE IN THE PLANNING, BUDGETING, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS;
    7. ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATELY TRAINED TEACHERS IN EMERGENCY CONTEXTS, BY IMPROVING THEIR REMUNERATION, INCENTIVES AND SUPPORT.
    8. ENDORSE AND IMPLEMENT THE SAFE SCHOOLS DECLARATION AND ENSURE THAT ALL LEARNERS AND EDUCATORS CAN LEARN AND TEACH IN SAFETY.

     

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTHS AND CHILDREN,

    TAKING COGNISANCE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN ANY SOCIETY, ZAMBIA, THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF HIS EXCELLENCY MR HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, HAS SHOWN COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING EDUCATION AS A KEY SECTOR FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS IS BECAUSE EDUCATION IS KEY IN PROVIDING PRODUCTIVE HUMAN CAPITAL THAT CONTRIBUTES SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE COUNTRY’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP).

    MY GOVERNMENT IS, HOWEVER, AWARE THAT THERE ARE STILL SOME CHALLENGES BEING FACED IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR. THESE INCLUDE INADEQUATE LEARNING AND TEACHING MATERIALS ESPECIALLY FOR LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS AND INADEQUATE CLASSROOM SPACE, DESKS, AND BOARDING FACILITIES FOR OUR LEARNERS, ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS. WORSE STILL, THE ADVENT OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC HAS ALSO ADDED MORE CHALLENGES TO THE SECTOR ESPECIALLY WITH REGARDS TO ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVE MODES OF EDUCATION PROVISION.

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN,

    IN ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES THAT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IS FACING, THE NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT HAS DECENTRALISED ACCESS TO CDF AND FURTHER INCREASED IT FROM 1.6 MILLION TO 25.7 MILLION.  THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO GIVEN 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.

    FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SCALED UP THE PROCUREMENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS, EXPANSION OF SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE AND FORMULATION OF PROGRESSIVE POLICIES THAT FAVOUR ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL.  THE MINISTRY ALSO ENSURED THAT THE SCHOOL GRANTS WERE RECEIVED ON TIME IN OUR SCHOOLS TO FACILITATE FOR THE SMOOTH OPERATIONALISATION OF THE FREE EDUCATION POLICY AND THE PURCHASE OF COVID 19 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS.

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN,

    DESPITE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF   THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON THE EDUCATION SECTOR, MY GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT LEARNING CONTINUES IN SCHOOLS. THIS HAS BEEN DONE BY ENCOURAGING OUR TEACHERS AND LEARNERS TO DILIGENTLY OBSERVE ALL THE COVID 19 PREVENTION PROTOCOLS INCLUDING TAKING UP THE VACCINES.

    IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT, ZAMBIA IS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES THAT HAS MANAGED TO MAINTAIN THE SCHOOL CALENDAR INSPITE OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC. THIS IS BECAUSE AS GOVERNMENT, WE ARE AWARE THAT INDEED EDUCATION SHOULD CONTINUE EVEN AMIDST CALAMITIES. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO WORKING TOWARDS ENSURING THAT THE ALTERNATIVE MODES OF LEARNING ARE BEING ACCESSED BY EVERYONE ESPECIALLY FOR LEARNERS IN THE RURAL AREAS AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS.

    COUNTRY MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN,

    THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT IN ZAMBIA, THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION (ZANEC) TAKES THE LEAD TO COORDINATE THIS ANNUAL EVENT. THE COMMITMENT SHOWN BY ZANEC IN COORDINATING THIS GLOBAL EVENT WHILE WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE MINISTRY, DEPICTS A TRUE REFLECTION OF THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS BETWEEN CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF QUALITY EDUCATION FOR EVERY ZAMBIAN.

    WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL OUR COOPERATING PARTNERS AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION (GPE), DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (DFID), GIZ, IRISH AID, JICA, UNICEF, SAVE THE CHILDREN, WORLD BANK AND ZANEC TO NAME BUT A FEW, WHO ARE WORKING WITH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IN THE PROVISION AND PROMOTION OF QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL ZAMBIANS.

    FINALLY, I URGE YOU ALL TO TAKE KEEN INTEREST AND PARTICIPATE IN THE VARIOUS MEDIA PROGRAMMES THAT WILL BE RUNNING DURING THE WEEK.

    I HEREBY OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE 2022 GLOBAL ACTION WEEK FOR EDUCATION, WHICH RUNS FROM MONDAY 25TH APRIL TO FRIDAY 29TH APIRL, 2022.

    MAY GOD BLESS OUR BELOVED COUNTRY ZAMBIA.

    I THANK YOU.

  • Welcome remarks read by the ZANEC Board Chairperson for Skills and Tertiary Subsector Committee, Mrs. Christine Nabeba Mwasiti Menda during the Advocacy Meeting on Enhancing Female Student Participation in Student Union Leadership held on 23rd September, 2021

    Welcome remarks read by the ZANEC Board Chairperson for Skills and Tertiary Subsector Committee, Mrs. Christine Nabeba Mwasiti Menda during the Advocacy Meeting on Enhancing Female Student Participation in Student Union Leadership held on 23rd September, 2021

    Ministry of Education (MoE) Representative

    Members of Parliament Present

    Student Leaders Present from various universities and colleges

    Civil Society Organisations Present

    Members of the Press

    May I simply say Ladies and Gentlemen, all Protocols observed

    It is my honor and privilege to welcome you distinguished guests to this Advocacy Meeting on Enhancing Female student participation in students’ union leadership. Your presence in this meeting shows the importance you attach to issues of equal participation in leadership positions by both female and male students in higher learning institutions.

    Through ZANEC continued advocacy on academic freedom in higher learning institutions, it has come to our attention that very few female students participate in union leadership. Further, female representation in power and decision making in Zambia since independence in 1964 has not been impressive. This is because women have been and still are under-represented at all levels of decision making in government, parliament, political parties, public and private institutions.  In the recent general elections that Zambia had on 12th August 2021, only 15% of women Parliamentarians were elected. Similarly, only 4 females aspired to stand for elections during the ZANASU election held in July, out of which 2 were elected as Deputy Secretary General and Gender Secretary, meaning the entire ZANASU Congress and Executive put together has only two females out of 13 positions, representing 15%. This shows how far we are from reaching the internationally recommended minimum standard of 50% both at national and institutional levels. The unequal representation has been attributed to a number of factors including stereotypes, patriarchal structures and cultural values, scarcity of resources, traditional family roles and low education and literacy levels among women compared to men.

    It is for this reason that ZANEC supported the formation of a Female Student Network in Zambia whose aim is to educate female students and aspiring female leaders on the importance of holding leadership positions and female student empowerment in student structures.  In fact, most of the female student leaders we have today are part of this network.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    This meeting seeks to find means and ways of increasing female participation in leadership in tertiary institutions. Therefore, the aim of this meeting is to advocate for more female participation in student unionism as well as look at challenges that deter female students from participating or adequately representing female related issues in student leadership. The expected outcomes include:

    1. To advocate for more female participation in student unionism in their various institutions of higher learning.
    2. To share best practices that would enable more female students to participate in student leadership.
    3. Two good lessons to encourage female participation discussed and actioned.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    We are happy that the decision makers such as MPs, University Department under the Ministry of Education and various higher institution management, lecturers, student leaders and ordinary students are in this meeting. This will   foster dialogue and chart the way forward to encourage female student participation in student leadership.                                                                                                     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    This meeting will have short presentations by some of our current female student leaders on issues that frustrate Female Leaders as well as when representing female issues in Union Student Leadership.

    ZANEC is grateful to Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) for the financial support which has made it possible to hold this advocacy meeting today.

    We therefore, urge all of us that are present in this meeting to participate actively as your contributions will make a big difference in improving the gender balance in student leadership.

    Thank you and God Bless you

  • Welcome remarks read by the ZANEC Board Chairperson for Skills and Tertiary Subsector Committee, Mrs. Christine Nabeba Mwasiti Menda during the Annual Students and Management Dialogue Forum on Distance and eLearning for Students with Disabilities during COVID 19 held on 22nd September, 2021

    Welcome remarks read by the ZANEC Board Chairperson for Skills and Tertiary Subsector Committee, Mrs. Christine Nabeba Mwasiti Menda during the Annual Students and Management Dialogue Forum on Distance and eLearning for Students with Disabilities during COVID 19 held on 22nd September, 2021

    Ministry of Education Representative

    Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) Representative

    Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Representative

    Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Representative

    Management and Lecturers from various Universities and Colleges Present

    Student Union Leaders and Students from various Universities and Colleges Present

    Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Present

    ZANEC 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 Students and Management Dialogue Forum.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    The objective of this meeting is to discuss how best learning can be done through online and distance learning for students with disabilities.

    Furthermore, the expected outcomes are that:

    • Management, lecturers and students discuss online, remote and distance learning for students with disabilities or special education needs.
    • At least 3 best practices are shared on how universities are providing distance and online learning for learners with disabilities.

    It is important to note that ZANEC had two meetings in which a presentation was made on ways that can foster effective and efficient use of distance learning amidst the COVID 19 pandemic in Higher Learning Institutions.  This was general and was not specific to students with disabilities. However, it was noted that online learning has come with a number of challenges such as the high cost of internet bundles, lack of equipment like smart phones and lap computers, bad network and lack of power supplies.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    For Zambia to attain the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4. There is need to have distance and online learning that is accessible by all students regardless of their abilities.  It is vital that higher learning institutions invest in eLearning or distance learning platforms as lessons from the COVID 19 have clearly shown that Zambia is not adequately prepared to offer distance and online learning to all. Mostly, access to remote learning is limited to students from well to do families and those along the line of rail.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ZANEC is delighted that we have key stakeholders present in this meeting such as the Ministry of Education’s Department of University Education, TEVETA, ZICTA and IBA as well as management, lecturers and students. It is through open and honest dialogue that we can find a lasting solution to the provision of quality education for everyone whether through physically classes or through remote learning. We should all be aware that education cannot wait. With or without a pandemic, education has to continue.

    This is because education is the best equalizer that gives opportunities for employment and production of skilled human capital that can develop this country.  I am therefore, encouraging all of us here present to participate in the deliberations of this meeting. Further, it is important that we share what we will learn in this forum in our various institutions where we are coming from.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ZANEC is grateful to Norwegian Students’ and Academic International Assistance Fund (SAIH) for the financial support that has made it possible to hold this third annual management and student dialogue meeting. We are also thankful for the support SAIH has continued to give the organization on issues relating to higher education and advocacy for academic freedoms in general.

    With these few remarks I wish you a fruitful dialogue.

    Thank you and God bless you all.

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

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

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

    Representative from Ministry of Health

    Representative from Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

    Representative from Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development

    Representative from Ministry of Local Government

    Civil Society Organisations Present

    May I simply say Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

    Therefore, the objectives of this Meeting are:

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

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

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

     

    Thank you and God Bless You

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

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

    The ZANEC Board Chairperson

    ZANEC Board Members

    Cooperating Partners Present

    Coalition Members

    ZANEC Executive Director and Secretariat staff

    Members of the media

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen

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

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

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

     

    Ladies and gentlemen,

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

     

    To this effect, ladies and gentlemen,

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

     

    Ladies and gentlemen,

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

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

     

    I thank you and may God bless you all.

     

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

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

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

    THE GUEST OF HONOUR

    COOPERATING PARTNERS

    ZANEC HONORARY MEMBERS

    ZANEC BOARD AND MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

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

    AMEN!

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

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

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

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

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

    LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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

    THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

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

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

    THE GUEST OF HONOUR

    COOPERATING PARTNERS PRESENT

    ZANEC HONORARY MEMBERS PRESENT

    ZANEC BOARD AND MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

    MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

    MAY I SIMPLY SAY LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

     

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

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

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

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

    THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL!