Copperbelt Education Expo Attracts Over 2,000 Teachers
More than 2,000 teachers from across Zambia have participated in the inaugural Copperbelt Education Expo and Kopala Teachers’ Run, a two-day initiative organised by the Ministry of Education to recognise teachers’ contribution to national development and promote their wellbeing.
The event opened with an Education Exhibition held at the Copperbelt University, where over 50 schools and local authorities showcased innovations in teaching and learning, alongside best practices aimed at improving the quality of education in the country. The exhibition provided a platform for knowledge sharing and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Zambia’s education sector.
The second day featured the Kopala Teachers’ Run and aerobics sessions, designed to promote physical fitness, mental health and overall wellbeing among teachers. The event included both 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races and attracted participation from officers from the Ministry of Education, as well as the National Sports Council of Zambia.
Speaking after the run, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon Elvis C. Nkandu, MP, represented by Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Mr Lawrence Mwanza, commended the Ministry of Education for introducing an initiative focused on teacher wellness.
He said physically and mentally healthy teachers are better equipped to deliver effective learning and positively influence learners.
Hon Nkandu further emphasised the importance of integrating health and fitness into the education sector, describing teachers as critical partners in national development.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Sports Director Mr Gibson Muyaule praised the Ministry of Education for its significant contribution to sports development, noting that many athletes who represent Zambia at national and international competitions emerge from the education system.
As part of the programme, the Ministry’s Anti-Doping Team engaged teachers and participants during the run. Anti-Doping Officer Mr Raphael Mulenga urged teachers to play a leading role in sensitising learners on anti-doping messages in schools.
Hon Nkandu currently serves as Vice-President of the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport for the 2026–2027 10th Conference of Parties Bureau, while Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Mr Kangwa Chileshe is Chairperson of the UNESCO Open-Ended Working Group, a technical reform-focused body under UNESCO.
The inaugural Teachers’ Run, held under the theme “My Teacher, My Pride,” attracted participants from all ten provinces of Zambia.
