Contribution of the free education policy to pupils with hearing and visual impairments’ access to primary school education in Zambia

Abstract

Despite mixed views, Free Education Policy on primary education (grades 1-7) has made significant contribution on pupils with hearing and visual impairments’ access to education in primary schools in Zambia. Notable areas cited by participants include: reduced absenteeism, increased gross intake levels, increased grade 7 completion rates and improved academic performance. Although there was no significant positive contribution on dropout rates, participant felt lack of sponsors, failure to qualify to grade 8, early marriages, pregnancy, too big to learn with young pupils, negative attitudes of both parents and pupils and failure by parents to pay boarding and other fees on behalf of their children to some extent contributed to pupils dropping out of school.