Education Minister Addresses Catholic Schools Conference On National Development And Education Challenges.
Minister of Education, Douglas Munyaka Syakalima,has emphasized the critical role that Catholic schools play in Zambia’s education sector during his address at the Workshop for the Conference of Proprietors, Diocesan Education Secretaries, and Managing Agencies of Catholic Schools, held at Kapingila House in Kablonga on February 26, 2025.
Mr. Syakalima acknowledges the Catholic Church’s significant contribution to national development, noting that Catholic institutions manage over 600 schools across Zambia, spanning from early childhood education to tertiary institutions.
“Catholic schools have a unique mission of nurturing both minds and hearts, preparing young people not only intellectually but also with core values such as love, integrity, and good citizenship,” Mr. Syakalima said.
Speaking during his address at the conference, where Catholic education leaders gathered to discuss key issues facing Catholic schools, Mr. Syakalima stressed that these values align with the Government’s educational aspirations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in nurturing the nation’s future leaders.
He also outlined the key areas of focus for the conference, including Catholic ethos and management systems, teacher recruitment for grant-aided schools, the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework, and registration procedures for schools.
These issues, he noted, are crucial not only for Catholic schools but for the education sector as a whole.
Mr. Syakalima recognizes the significant achievements of Catholic schools in Zambia, praising their innovative programs, community engagement, and high academic standards.
He encouraged school managers to continue striving for excellence with the implementation of the new competency-based curriculum and to share their best practices with other institutions.
However, Mr. Syakalima acknowledged the challenges facing the education sector, particularly with the introduction of free education, which has seen more than two million learners returning to school.
He notes the strain on infrastructure, teaching materials, and classroom space, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through partnerships with faith-based institutions and other stakeholders.
Mr. Syakalima reaffirms the Ministry of Education's dedication to providing quality education in collaboration with partners like the Catholic Church, emphasizing that Catholic schools play an invaluable role in shaping Zambia's education system. He also expressed his gratitude for their tireless efforts and service to the nation.
The event brought together Proprietors, Diocesan Education Secretaries, and Managing Agencies of Catholic learning institutions from all 11 dioceses across Zambia's 10 provinces.
Participants engaged in vital discussions on Catholic ethos in schools, teacher recruitment, the impact of the new curriculum, and registration procedures for schools.
Meanwhile, Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, Bishop Director for Catholic Education and Culture, warmly welcomed Hon. Syakalima and other participants, highlighting the significance of the event.
Rev. Chisanga emphasized that the conference served as a crucial platform for sharing best practices, experiences, and challenges related to managing Catholic schools, expressing gratitude to the resource persons who facilitated the discussions.
He also remarked that the conference reflected the Catholic Church's longstanding commitment to providing quality education.
Rev. Chisanga pointed out that the Church operates over 650 educational institutions in Zambia, serving nearly 450,000 learners, contributing significantly to the global educational landscape, and aligning with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of providing inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
He further reiterated the Church's commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Education to enhance education quality in Zambia and stressed the vital role Catholic schools play in the nation's future.