Group defends teachers, says education ministry responsible for alleged misuse of free education grants

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has distanced head teachers from being the organisers of the costly, endless and unnecessary workshops in the country.

Government had warned head teachers in various schools across the country against misusing school grants by way of conducting unnecessary workshops meant to benefit themselves.

NAQEZ Director for Media and Advocacy, Peter Kalenga, denied the allegations on behalf of the head teachers in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday.

He said the workshops were not being organized by head teachers, but by the Ministry of Education Officials at National, Provincial and District levels.

Kalenga said head teachers were only invited as participants and their superiors who invite them expect them to obey the invitation orders.

“While the free education grants may not be enough, especially for primary schools, the timely manner with which they are sent to schools by the national Treasury has been exceptional and a sign of government’s commitment to the educational sector,” he said.

Kalenga said with these grants, NAQEZ expected adherence to financial guidelines and applications of funds to benefit learners, teachers and communities across the country however, the current wave of workshops in the Ministry has distorted the good intentions.

He said instead of spending grants on alleviating challenges that face schools, it was regrettable that these critical public funds were being consumed through allowances.

“While it is true that certain workshops are inevitable, the rate at which money meant to manage free education is taken to workshops is a source of grave national concern.

“We call upon auditors to visit schools and help citizens know more about this ugly reality,” Kalenga said.

He called on Zambians to take interest in this matter because it affects their future and the future of the nation.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.