NAQEZ Asks Mutati To Increase Education Budgetary Allocation

National Action for Quality Education in Zambia [NAQEZ] expects the Minister of finance Felix Chipota Mutati to

allocate 21% of the total national budget to the education sector.

NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chance said in a statement that the 16.5% in the current

budget has proved to be extremely inadequate.

He said NAQEZ expects the next budget to specifically allocate funds for purchase of 10,000

computers if the country is to make computer studies an integral part of the education system.

“…We also expect our gallant teachers to be handsomely motivated next year. Next year’s budget

must ensure that teachers receive salary pay rise, are upgraded in scales and receive other

relevant allowances. This will be important in our quest to improve quality of education in the

country,” Chansa stressed.

He sad NAQEZ further expects explicit budgetary allocation for the recruitment of more than 8,000

teachers in 2018.

“The current policy of recruiting 5,000 per year has not helped matters due to

the fact that the profession losses more than 7,000 teachers per year. We need more teachers

if the country is committed to tackling the frightening teacher- pupil ratios in public schools,” Chansa said, “It will also be important if the 2018 budget will put aside money for speedy construction of

Universities in Western, Northern and Luapula provinces. We feel that these great projects

deserve to be completed sooner rather than later,” he said.

Chansa said NAQEZ would also want to insist on the operationalisation of the student loan scheme.

“We strong feel that adequate funds must be in the 2018 budget for the purpose of this scheme. It’s

very important for the social and economic development of Zambia.

Lastly, but very important, the next budget should allow for the purchase of equipment which

will enable schools to begin to teach practical subjects like Agricultural Science, Carpentry,

Brick laying, Music and Metal work. These subjects are critical if the country is serious about

implementation of the new curriculum.

We therefore strongly appeal to the Minister of finance to seriously consider increasing the

allocation to this very important sector, from 16.5% to 21%, in the 2018 budget,”  concluded