Africa Urged To Emulate Zambia’s Free Education Policy

One United Africa Foundation, has urged African countries to emulate Zambia’s Free Education Policy that has seen more enrolment of young people in schools across the country.

Speaking at a press conference in commemoration of the African Union (AU) Youth Day, 2024 in Lusaka, under the theme: Quality Education for Sustainable Development, Foundation Initiator, Congressman Bimbo Daramola, however advised the Government to focus on teacher to learner ratio, and improve the learning conditions in schools.

Mr. Daramola further hailed various partnerships that Government has initiated to help address some of the gaps in the provision of quality education, stressing the need for African countries to emulate such initiatives to improve the welfare of young people.

“While acknowledging that many Governments on the continent are already moving in this direction, we must acknowledge particularly what the Government of Zambia is doing with regard to the free education of young Zambians that has seen more enrolment of young Zambians in schools across this very beautiful nation.”

“But will also ask that the government also continue to focus on teacher to student’s ratio, as well as improving the learning conditions particularly in the hinterland,” Mr. Daramola stated.

He also encouraged African Youth to acquire formal education and also learn about the African history, emphasizing that the greatest education is that which amplifies the discovery of oneself.

“The future must be re-aligned in such a way that there is a reconnection to our African identity and essence which our forebears had invested so much of time and efforts in, some died for this.”

“Any formal education that ends just a literal education devoid of attention and focus on our Pan African ideology as espoused by our forebears will not do the future of Africa any good, we must know where we are coming from as the veritable compass to where we want to go, formal education for scientific breakthroughs and enterprise should not obviate or vitiate the imperatives of our African identity and unity,” he added.

He further called for more investments by all African Governments and a renewed focus, energy and efforts towards fostering partnerships that will further drive the investments in education from substantial increase in education budget to a review of the curriculum of schools on the continent.

“This is in a bid to make what is passed to the young population more 21st century compliant and to put the African youth in a position to compete globally and lead the way in new landmark scientific as well as ICT breakthroughs for sustainable positive impact on humanity,” the Congressman asserted.

Meanwhile, Chainda Community School Headteacher, Mercha Chanda expressed concern over the lack of financial support towards the smooth running of the school which has over 200 learners.

“The school has been struggling as it has not been receiving any funds to help with smooth operations and also to enhance the quality of education,” Mrs. Chanda said.

She however expressed gratitude to One United Africa Foundation for the unwavering support to the learning institution.

The Africa Youth Day, is commemorated on 1st November every year, as adopted in Banjul, Gambia in 2006 when the African Youth Day charter was adopted.

The day is aimed at recognizing the unified voice of young people, which aims to increase awareness of, commitment to and investment in youth, increase and strengthen youth participation and partnerships as well as increase intercultural exchanges and understanding among young people.