Education for all: 50 Years after Zambia's Indepencence

Abstract

This article explains that although there has been progress towards increased access to primary education for grades 1 to 7 over the years, there has been no similar progress for junior secondary school, grades 8 to 9. Thus access to nine years of basic education still remains a challenge, especially among the vulnerable pupils. In addition, the quality of education in most primary and junior secondary schools is poor. It argues that it is not only important to get children into school but it is also important to ensure that they stay in school, receive good quality education and complete a full cycle of basic education. As such, the 2015 target of attaining nine years of basic education for all may not be accomplished if developing countries such as Zambia will not strengthen their focus on out-of-school children and improving the quality of education. In view of the foregoing, the article recommended that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Non-governmental Organisations and other stakeholders should put in place measures that will ensure that vulnerable children (including girls) stay in school; that teachers and schools have all the requisites for offering quality basic education; and that there are incentives for teachers working in the most rural schools.