FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6th October 2014
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
WORLD TEACHERS DAY’S
Today we join the teaching fraternity in commemorating World Teachers Day. We commend these hardworking men and women for their contribution to the unity and social development of our country. As the theme states, “Unite for quality education, better education for a better world.” I will add that as we unite for quality education, let that education be affordable.
Education is one of the main pillars in our manifesto, alongside effective economic management, quality and affordable health care, as well as good agriculture and food security policies.
As we commend the role our teachers play in our society, we urge government to seriously pay attention to the poor conditions existing in our schools so that our teachers can produce highly competitive students that can make our country self-reliant. Fifty (50) years after independence, Zambia is still lagging on a number of social indicators which would make us self-reliant. The lack of self-reliance manifests itself in so many ways, including lack of manufacturing ability, lack of skilled labour to mention but a few. Zambia has remained an importing country due to a dysfunctional education system that has largely been too theoretical to respond to modern needs.
In today’s complex world, the challenges Zambia faces need an education system and curriculum that places emphasis on practical experience that equips graduates with the basic and necessary skills. This skills development will then translate into making our own products and reduce the importation of basic items which include tooth picks, bolts and nuts, handbags etc. when we have all the raw materials in country. This is the real independence that will make Zambians and Zambia at 50, more proud and free economically
I am aware that there are good workshops in Kabwe, Mpika and other parts of the country, some under TAZARA and Zambia Railways, that can easily be transformed into manufacturing centres for basic motor vehicle spare parts such as shock absorbers, brake pads and effectively reduce imports. But we cannot venture into manufacturing if we do not have the right skills emanating from an appropriate education system.
At 50 years, it is high time government provided political will by reducing or zero-rating
imported education aids, especially those related to skills development. I am also requesting Government to zero rate all manufacturing equipment so as to expand the manufacturing base, create employment for our graduates and broaden the tax base for generating revenue locally. This single act will reduce on borrowing and aid handouts.
Under the theme, “Unite for quality education, better education for a better world”, UPND still emphasises that it is the government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment for a conducive teaching and learning environment. We also urge Government to address the bursary system so that more citizens can access education, needless to say, no citizen should take his or her own life because they cannot afford education.
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
This an empty message. The man has proved he is not ready.
Thanks
I am afraid letting this diaper poop master for plot one or he will declare chibwantu & mabisi day.Fo sho I make sure he won’t to all overzealous fanatic blind followers…
Great message! Thanks HH. With this kind of thinking our centenary celebrations will make a lot of sense. We will have employment for our youth and poverty will be a think of the past.
Well said your excellence . You are the only help and hope Zambia is waiting for.
Empty message, He cant rule. H e needs time to be ripe enough to govern this country
Great message indeed. We need to work on manufacturing in order to develop this country.
If we can start with small things like needles, bolts etc…..tht can make a BIG difference.
Good analysis ba HH
Great message your excellency. Presidential material indeed
WHY IS LT ALWAYS LOOKING FOR BAD PICTURE OF HH. ITS THE SAME QUESTION I CANT FIND AN ANSWER ALSO FROM ZWD SHOWING A BAD PICTURE OF H.E.MC SATA. IF YOU DIDNT KNOW PICTURES CARRY ALOT OF NEWS THAN THE STU.PID BIASED STORIES YOU TRY TO FEED US WITH BROKEN ENGLISH. SHOW US GOOD PICTURES OF OUR LEADERS,THIS IS NOT CARTOON NETWORK.
Thank you Mr. President, nice massage someone can ever give. Viva HH
well meaning zambians will support this gallant son of the soil.this is what zambia needs friends, a visionary leader like hh to transform this village country into a country for all not animal farm type of living.thanks hh and upnd zambia forward.
A VERY VAGUE, WINDING AND SWEEPING STATEMENT. WITH LITTLE TO INSPIRE AND POINT AT A WELL ARTICULATED DIRECTION. LACKING IN DEPTH AND JUST TOUCHING ON GENERALITIES IN A NON COMITTAL FASHION VERY CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS MAN. TOO SUPERFLUOUS AND WITH NO ROADMAP WHATSOEVER FOR ATTAINING HIS DREAMLAND. VERY TYPICAL OF THE MAN WHO IS TRYING VERY HARD TO KEEP HIMSELF RELEVANT ON THE POLITICAL ARENA BUT WITH LITTLE RETURNS. OF HIM IT CAN BE SAID THAT “ÏT IS BETTER TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, FOR EVEN WHEN A FOOL KEEPS HIS MOUTH SHUT, HE CAN BE THOUGHT TO BE WISE”.
@mushota .
people may wish to know that he works at LT. LT is also pro pf but keep it subtle. any way we know you. more updates later
I feel for HH if RB comes back it will be sata,RB,HH. Former UPND provincial said he has ideas that will help this country so he is joining PF to be part of development. WHAT OF YOU?
I salute all those that are applauding hh. This is coz, in essence, they are applauding Sata & PF who have seen that an outright academic education system does nit favour every citizen. Thus the introduction of a 2 way system at secondary. The positives in this system is what hh is exemplifying as the birth of artisans. Sadly, he sends out a political (urgent) message on TEACHERS’ day!! Chipumbu.