Education for All Policy Transforms Zambia’s Learning Landscape – Syakalima
Minister of Education, Honourable Douglas Syakalima, has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his unwavering commitment to advancing Zambia’s education sector, noting that the Education for All policy has delivered remarkable progress in just four years of the New Dawn Government.
Speaking on Monday, Mr Syakalima said the policy, which removed school fees from early childhood to secondary level, has enabled more than two million learners to enrol. He stressed that this reflected the nation’s strong appetite for education once financial barriers were lifted.
“In the past, ordinary parents could not afford to pay for their children’s school fees, so government removed the burden when President Hichilema implemented this inclusive policy,” he stated.
The Minister acknowledged concerns about classroom overcrowding but explained that government responded swiftly by expanding infrastructure. “Under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), 3,132 classrooms have been built since 2022, providing learning space for 140,940 pupils,” he said.
This year alone, 67 new secondary schools have been commissioned, with 20 more expected before year-end. Additionally, more than 300 Early Childhood Education centres are under construction to ensure a smooth progression for learners.
Mr Syakalima also highlighted that over 1.4 million desks have been distributed in the past four years, while the reintroduction of meal allowances for higher education students in 2022 has improved support for young people at tertiary level.
He described these achievements as evidence of President Hichilema’s belief in education as the foundation for national development. “With this commitment, Zambia’s education model is now admired across the region and beyond,” he said.
His remarks come as the country commemorates four years of the New Dawn Government.
