President Hichilema Returns to Lusaka, Meeting Teachers And Education Stakeholders At Community House

President Hakainde Hichilema returned to Lusaka on Friday afternoon and held a meeting with teachers and education stakeholders at Community House.

The President emphasised that education must be viewed as a strategic investment in national development rather than merely an expense. He noted that quality education produces the skilled workforce essential for driving Zambia's economic growth.

The President hailed Zambia's recent 70 per cent Grade Twelve pass rate as clear evidence that the country's education reforms are working.

Commending both educators and students for their commitment, President Hichilema stressed that educational success requires strong collaboration between teachers and learners working toward shared goals.

The President highlighted free education as one of his administration's most transformative policies, revealing it has brought over 2.5 million children back into classrooms across the country. To ensure this policy's permanence, he announced that government plans to enshrine free education in legislation, protecting it from potential reversal by future administrations.

President Hichilema pointed to several key interventions contributing to improved educational outcomes. These include the recruitment of more than 45,000 additional teachers, government coverage of examination fees for students, and the implementation of a competency-based curriculum designed to enhance practical learning.