Union Wants Govt To Equip Schools With Gensets Before Exams Begin

National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has called on government to immediately equip schools, with Gensets, particularly those with computer studies programs, to ensure that learners can continue their education without the disruption of power outages during examinations.

Union Executive President, Victor Muyumba said as the examination period approaches, it is crucial that government addresses the pressing need for generators in schools, as the current power outages pose a serious risk to learners’ ability to complete their assessments effectively.

Mr. Muyumba stated that ensuring a reliable power supply during this critical time is essential for learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without interruption.

“Over the past six decades, Zambia has made remarkable strides in expanding access to education. From the establishment of numerous schools to the introduction of policies aimed at inclusivity, our progress is evident. Today, we celebrate not only the growth in enrollment rates but also the dedication of our educators who have tirelessly worked to nurture the minds of future leaders.”

“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also confront the pressing challenges that remain. The education sector continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and limited resources. These challenges are compounded by the ongoing power crisis that has greatly impacted schools and learners across the country,” Mr. Muyumba noted.

He also called on government to continue investing in infrastructure by allocating resources to improve school facilities, ensuring that every learner has access to safe and conducive learning environments.

“Invest in training and retention programs for educators to ensure that they are well-equipped to deliver the revised curriculum effectively. Strengthen partnerships between schools, parents, and communities to create a supportive ecosystem for our learners and educators,” he said.

He also urged government to address educational equity by focusing on providing additional support to marginalized and underserved communities to ensure equal access to quality education.

Efforts to get a comment from Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Joel Kamoko and he Public Relations Unit failed.