NAQEZ Urges Education Minister to Extend Term 1 Holiday

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 (25-04-2024) – The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has called on the Minister of Education to extend the 2024 Term 1 holiday from one week to two weeks.

This request follows a thorough examination of the academic calendar and consideration of the significant economic, social, and academic impacts of a short break.

Dr. Aaron Chansa, Executive Director at NAQEZ, explained that a one-week holiday would impose financial strain on parents with children in boarding schools and exacerbate social and emotional stress for learners due to consecutive travel commitments.

Moreover, Chansa explained a one-week break would not allow adequate time for teachers and learners to recharge mentally and physically, compromising their preparedness for Term Two and resulting in adverse academic consequences for the education sector.

In contrast, extending the holiday to two weeks would not disrupt the educational schedule for 2024, particularly since the August holiday spans four weeks.

“This adjustment benefits parents, learners, and teachers alike,”

Dr. Chansa emphasized. He expressed optimism that the Education Minister would heed the impassioned plea of Zambians, reflecting the overwhelming desire of the majority of parents, teachers, and learners nationwide.