Free Education Drives School Enrolment to Three Million

Pupil enrolment has climbed to around three million following the rollout of free education, an increase of half a million on last year's figure of 2.5 million.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima says the UPND Government is carrying forward the vision of founding President Kenneth Kaunda, whose free education policy transformed the prospects of generations of Zambians. . Speaking as the country marks Kenneth Kaunda Day today, Mr. Syakalima urged citizens to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Kaunda and the kind of leadership he represented.

In separate remarks, Vice President Mutale Nalumango said economic stability for teachers is central to raising professional standards in the classroom, adding that Government is committed to delivering inclusive economic transformation for the profession. Her speech was read on her behalf by Mr. Syakalima at the launch of the Teacher Business and Investment Forum in Lusaka.

The Forum will give teachers access to a range of opportunities, including farming inputs supplied by various seed companies, helping them diversify their income streams.

Zambia Union for Teacher Empowerment President Gracious Mutale welcomed the initiative, thanking Government for measures designed to lift teachers out of debt and into long-term investment and sustainable livelihoods.

Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia Secretary General Nelson Mwale added that equipping teachers with entrepreneurship and investment skills is essential to securing their financial stability and, in turn, the wider stability of the education sector.