Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, has called for the construction of more boarding schools in the province under the World Bank funded project Zambia Education Enhancement Project which is expected to construct 22 Schools at a colossal amount of US$233 Million.
Mr Akapelwa says the province has few boarding schools, a situation he described as detrimental to the quality of education delivery in the area.
The media reports that the Permanent Secretary disclosed that lack of boarding schools in the province has contributed greatly to increased number of school drop-outs as many young girls and boys find it difficult to find accommodations near the school.
Mr Akapelwa said this today when a team of experts from the Ministry of Education and officials from the World Bank paid a courtesy call on him.
Responding to the concern raised by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Assistant Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Planning Directorate, Stephen Zimba, said the Ministry of Education will work with the World Bank to ensure that amongst the 22 schools being built under this initiative are boarding schools.
Mr Zimba said once the pupil accommodation challenge in schools is addressed, the performance of learners is expected to improve in the province.
The World Bank is constructing schools in Mongu, Nalolo, Limulunga and Kalabo Districts and the Ministry of Education is working closely with the bank to ensure that the new schools are built in areas with greater need of school facilities.
