Zambia Launches 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Study
Zambia has officially launched the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a significant step towards benchmarking the country’s education system against global standards.
PISA, developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is an internationally recognized assessment that measures the skills of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science.
Speaking at the launch in Lusaka, Minister of Education Hon. Douglas Syakalima, represented by Permanent Secretary for Educational Services Joel Kamoko, highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming the education system.
The Minister emphasized the importance of understanding students’ strengths and areas for improvement compared to their peers worldwide, noting that this proactive approach is crucial for informed decision-making.
The PISA study provides an invaluable opportunity for Zambia to evaluate its educational practices, identify successes, and pinpoint areas needing attention. This marks a critical step in the country’s ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes and ensure that Zambian students are competitive on a global scale.
Dr. Michael Chilala, Executive Director of the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ), described the event as a joyous milestone for the country’s education sector.
He stressed the importance of providing relevant and adequate information to the Ministry of Education to drive forward the nation’s education agenda.
Participating in PISA 2025 will also enable the ECZ to monitor the performance of pupils across the country more effectively.
The decision to engage in this global assessment underscores the government’s dedication to raising the standard of education in Zambia and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
