The Ministry of Education and the Teachers Unions have reassured the public that the Government’s School Feeding Programme is free, following claims circulating on social media platforms that pupils are being charged fees to access the service.
In a video shared online, a woman alleged that learners in Kasama District were required to pay K20 to participate in the programme.
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Kelvin Mambwe has since confirmed that the allegations are under investigation and that no learner should pay any fee for services provided under the Government’s Free Education Policy.
Dr Mambwe emphasised that the School Feeding Programme remains a key Government intervention aimed at improving learner nutrition, increasing school attendance, and enhancing academic performance.
“The Ministry wishes to assure parents in Kasama and across the country that the programme is free and accessible to all eligible learners,” he said.
This was contained in a press statement issued to the media by the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Kelvin Mambwe.
Meanwhile, commenting on the matter, Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Director of Public and International Relations Obby Chisala, highlighted that teachers are professionals expected to follow Government policies.
“Any teacher found collecting unauthorised fees will face disciplinary action. The Union will not support such misconduct but will work with authorities to ensure disciplinary procedures are fairly conducted,” he said.
Mr Chisala has urged school administrators to strictly adhere to the Government policy and report any violations immediately.
He also urged members of the public to report schools demanding payment for the School Feeding Programme to their District Education Board Secretary or the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry reiterated that charging fees for services under the Free Education Policy is illegal and undermines equitable access to education.
