Partnerships key to quality education –PS
GOVERNMENT has pledged to partner with stakeholders willing to improve the education sector in the country, General Education permanent secretary in-charge of administration Felix Phiri has said.
Dr Phiri said the Government had embarked on a school construction project in its quest to ensure every child had access to education, in line with the 7th National Development Plan that outlines the Government’s desired developmental outcomes as well as the accompanying strategies and programmes.
He said the government would always come in to help where possible on those who want to improve the livelihood of citizens.
He further disclosed that the Government would build a one by three classroom at Chitukuko Community School in Lusaka West to add support to what the community was doing.
“Whoever wants to partner with the government to improve citizens, the government will be available and come in to help where possible.
Chitukuko Community School is one of the community schools that was established in 2017 and appears to be doing fine in improving the education sector in the area.
And Chitukuko head teacher Verine Musona said currently, the community school catered about 485 pupils, with classes running from grade 1-7.
Ms Musona said the school was receiving aid from the government, a situation she said had helped the school to run smoothly despite some challenges.
She further appealed to the government to consider giving the community school a centre for examinations as pupils were forced to walk about 12km away to a nearby centre.
This situation, she said, had resulted into a number of girls dropping out from school because of distance and that they were exposed to illicit activities.
“At times even for those who had access to sit for grade seven examinations ended just there because they could not go anywhere due to lack of resources.
Ms Musona said she was considering opening a grade eight class to accommodate pupils should the government give them an examination centre for grade seven.