By Angela Moonga
The Free Education Policy, introduced in 2022, has since brought over 2.3 million children back into school nationwide, says the Luapula Province administration.
Featuring on K-FM’s Sunday Conversation programme in Mansa, Luapula Provincial education officer Grace Sinkolongo said the Free Education Policy under the UPND administration has been identified as a key driver behind Luapula Province’s improved performance in national examinations.
Sinkolongo said the policy had significantly expanded access to education, improved learner retention and created an enabling environment for learners to focus on their studies without the burden of school-related costs.
She explained that since the introduction of free education, learners across the province have been guided to appreciate the policy as a rare opportunity and a national investment in their future, a development that has translated into increased commitment to learning.
Sinkolongo noted that vulnerable learners, particularly girls supported under the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) programme from Social Cash Transfer beneficiary households, received comprehensive support including uniforms, books and school bags, further strengthening participation and performance.
She added that Luapula Province’s strong results—previously reported—were achieved through concerted efforts by the Government, Provincial Administration, education authorities, teachers, parents and guardians, all working together to support learners.
At Grade 7 level, Luapula Province emerged first nationally, improving from 69.7 percent in 2024 to 72.28 percent in 2025. At Grade 9 and Grade 12 levels, the province ranked fifth nationally, recording notable improvements and remaining above the national mean.
Sinkolongo appealed to parents and guardians to re-enrol learners who did not meet the selection threshold, urging stakeholders to avoid labeling learners as failures, as such language negatively affects their confidence and willingness to continue learning.
