Uk High Commissioner Highlights Ongoing Support For Zambia's Education Sector.
The UK High Commissioner to Zambia, Her Excellency Rebecca Terzeon, has expressed that her government has been a proud supporter of education in Zambia for many years, both through development programs and the British Council.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, she stated that the British government is committed to ensuring children’s right to safe, inclusive, and quality education.
Ms. Terzeon mentioned that better-educated countries are more likely to prosper, benefiting both the country and its trading partners and also commended Zambia for its progress in increasing school enrollment through the Education for All policy and the development of the new school curriculum.
She revealed that, through the Girls Education programme, the UK has been working with the Zambian government to improve access to quality secondary education for underserved communities, reaching over 70,000 children,highlighting the support given to the Keeping Girls in School programme, which provides grants to over 30,000 schoolgirls to help them access secondary education.
Ms. Terzeon expressed her eagerness to continue discussions with the government on how they can further cooperate to ensure sustained efforts to keep learners in school and provide quality education.
In response, Mr. Syakalima expressed his gratitude for the ongoing bilateral cooperation in strengthening the local education sector, which has uplifted citizens who previously faced educational challenges.
He states that Zambia remains committed to ensuring an inclusive education system for all, and this effort is ongoing.
He also mentioned that the free education policy, supported by the School Feeding Programme, has led to a significant reduction in absenteeism.
Mr. Syakalima further stated that this year, 106 districts would participate in the School Feeding Programme, which would contribute to an increase in the number of healthy learners.