Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving foundational literacy and numeracy through the Catch-Up Programme, which is marking 10 years of implementation in Zambia.
Speaking during the official opening of the Government-to-Government Learning Exchange Visit in Lusaka, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kelvin Mambwe said the programme has grown from a pilot project into a government-led initiative now being implemented in more than 6,400 schools across all ten provinces.
Dr Mambwe said the programme, adapted from India’s Teaching at the Right Level approach, has played a key role in strengthening foundational learning by helping learners acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills.
He noted that the exchange visit provides an opportunity for Zambia and India to share experiences, strengthen cooperation and identify effective strategies for improving learning outcomes for children.
Dr Mambwe also commended cooperating partners, including education for development a non-profit organisation (VVOB), UNICEF, TaRL Africa, World Vision Zambia, Pratham Education Foundation, Pratham International and ZANEC, for their continued support towards strengthening foundational learning in the country.
He expressed confidence that the discussions, school visits and classroom interactions during the exchange programme will generate valuable lessons that will further enhance the delivery of quality education and contribute to improved learning outcomes for children in both Zambia and India.
