Zambia’s education sector undergoing major transformation

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Kelvin Mambwe, says Zambia’s education sector is undergoing a major transformation coupled with free education policy that has expanded access to over 2.3 million children.

Dr Mambwe notes that the government has further continued to strengthen the foundation for learners in literature and helping them have equal opportunities as it is crucial to attaining national development.

The Permanent Secretary also notes that the government stresses and places education at the centre of national development by building a firm foundation through Catch Up intervention programmes in order to enhance a child’s educational journey.

Mambwe observes that when children do not learn to read frequently in early grades, their performance in all other subjects is affected.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this in Lusaka today during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Room-to-Read on strengthening foundational literacy and gender equality.

Dr Mambwe signed on behalf of the government, while Room-to-Read Regional Director for Africa, Collins Munene, signed for the organisation.

He said the government welcomes partners such as Room-to-Read, a global non- profit making organisation, working in the education sector to help the country improve and achieve her vision on literacy levels and gender equality.

“As access expands, strengthening foundational literacy becomes even more important and that is why collaborations with Room-to-Read are welcome to help us achieve this vision,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Room-to-Read Regional Director for Africa, Collins Munene, disclosed that 530,000 children have been supported in Eastern, Lusaka, and Southern Provinces.

Mr Munene further disclosed that his organisation has established over 187 school libraries in five different languages namely Chibemba, Chitonga, Kaonde, Lozi and Nyanja.

He said having operated in Zambia since 2008, Room – to Read will work closely with the Zambia Library Services, Kenneth Kaunda Family Foundation, publishers, professionals and schools in the area of early child education by promoting inclusive and gender-sensitive discussions in literacy as well as support the learners in Information Communication Technology programmes.