Free Education Approved by Parliament

Parliament has voted to make free education law, marking a historic moment for learners across Zambia.

Lawmakers endorsed the Education (Amendment) Bill during proceedings at Parliament, giving legal backing to a policy that has already transformed access to learning across the country. The Bill provides for the right to free education for every child enrolled in a public institution, from early childhood care and development through to secondary school.

Since the introduction of the Free Education Policy, more than 2.5 million children have returned to the classroom and over 41,000 teachers have been recruited, the largest education hiring drive in Zambia's history. Grade 12 pass rates have risen from 62.4 per cent to over 70 per cent, while more than 4.5 million learners now benefit from the free school meals programme.

The development has been welcomed by citizens and stakeholders, who see it as a historic step towards improving literacy levels, increasing school attendance, and creating equal opportunities for children regardless of background.

The legislation is expected to strengthen implementation of free education and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the policy.