By Isaac Zulu
Some teachers have said the introduction of the free education is compromising the provision of education in public schools.
Teachers talked to in Kabwe and Mkush districts have said the introduction of free education has led to over enrollment in schools, which he said is making it difficult for teachers to pay particular attention to the learners.
They observed that some pupils are still sitting on the floor, despite the Presidential directive that no pupil should sit on the floor by the end of 2023.
“I remember ZNS (Zambia National Service) was tasked with the responsibility of repairing the desks. And ZNS got 122 desks from our school meant for repairing and thereafter only 15 desks were brought to our school. Meaning that we still have a deficit in terms of desks. There is over enrollment and pupils have been sitting on the floor up to the end of this year. We are failing to pay particular attention to the learners and this has the potential to compromise the provision of education in government schools,” said one of the teachers who spoke on condition of anonymity.
And a representative from the teacher union has said while trade unions appreciate government’s “bold decision” to recruit more than 30,000; teachers, it would have been prudent for the Ministry of Education to ensure that education infrastructure is improved, teaching materials provided, including the procurement of desks for all public learning facilities.
“We are not being antagonist with government, but the objective of providing free education is not being achieved. We shall be engaging the Ministry of Education over these matters very soon,” said one teacher union leader from Mkushi district.
