NGO nods local exam paper printing

NATIONAL Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) says it supports the Ministry of Generation Education intentions to begin printing national examination papers within the country as it was a progressive idea that needed everyone’s support.

Executive Director Aaron Chansa said the move was not only going to save costs but create jobs and empower Zambians with skills that ultimately with help the economy grow.

In a statement, he said his organisation fully supported the Ministry of General Education intentions to begin printing national examination papers within the country.

Mr Chansa said any good development needed to be supported by all Zambians.

He said the ministry should implement the idea as quickly as possible because it was progressive and in the best interest of the nation.

“Our carefully and widely considered view is that Government is spending too much money printing these papers abroad. What is more painful to us is that Zambia is currently exporting capital, skills and jobs, by printing exam papers abroad,” Mr Chansa said.

Mr Chansa said it was for this reason that we support the ministry of General Education’s intentions to begin printing national examination paper in the country.

Mr Chansa said it was sad that only Zambia and Zimbabwe at the moment were printing exam papers abroad while, all other neighbouring countries stopped the practice a long time ago.

“We now urge the Ministry of General Education to closely work with the Ministry of Works and Supply in swiftly actualizing this monumental development. The earlier this feat is realized, the greater for our education and a win for our economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chansa said the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) must also be applauded for the many examination reforms being undertaken, chief among them the introduction of continuous school -based assessments in sciences and practical subjects, from primary up to grade 12 levels.

Mr Chansa said these introductions would help to improve the standards of education in the country.