Govt reiterates commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all children

Education Minister, Douglas Siakalima has called on the nation to ensure that all children, regardless of their social background, have access to education to help build a strong foundation for the country’s future.

Siakalima said the country had to acknowledge the holistic development that education supports to build a resilient future.

The Minister made these remarks today in Lusaka during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS), held in the organization’s conference room under the theme ‘Building Resilient Futures Through Education’.

“Resilient futures are not just a concept; they are a promise we make to our children,” he added.

He said to achieve this goal, the country needed to also nature children’s academic skills and social, emotional and physical growth.

“This is a necessity for the well-rounded citizens we aspire to nature,” he noted.

Meanwhile, at the same event, ZOCS Board Chairperson Victor Moyo said it was the institution’s goal to see social justice for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) prevail.

“We have provided essential quality education services, enhancedthe skills of thousands of volunteer teachers, empowered communities to deliver education locally, and collaboratee with the government to ensure every child enjoyed their rights to education,” Moyo stated.

He added that inspite of the challenges imposed by the drought experienced, the government worked with the schools to ensure that children remain in school.

Working jointly with the government, Moyo mentioned that schools provided food support to the most vulnerable, focusing on girls who were once victims of early marriages and pregnancies but were back in school.

“The initiative did not just retain leaners in school but also improved their academic performance and overall wellbeing,” he emphasized.

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.