Catholic Learning Institutions in Zambia Urged to Continue Upholding Values of Faith, Respect of Life as Schools Open

Lusaka, 13 January, 2026 / 11:12 PM

As schools open in Zambia for the new year, the National Education Secretary at the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has urged Catholic learning institutions in the Southern African nation to continue upholding the values of faith and respect for life among the learners.

In his message on Monday, January 12, Fr. Leonard Namuhumba also expressed hope for a supportive learning environment to enhance holistic education among the learners across the country.

“As Catholic learning institutions, let us continue to uphold the values of faith, integrity, hard work, and respect for life. May our learning environments remain safe, supportive, and focused on holistic education,” Fr. Namuhumba said.

In Zambia, the regular school year for primary and secondary schools is generally structured to run from January through December with three terms.

Schools officially reopened for the 2026 academic year on January 12. According to the Ministry of Education, this is the designated start date for Term 1 under the national calendar.

The ZCCB Education Secretary expressed appreciation that unlike in previous years, this year’s school opening had proceeded without disruption, unaffected by environmental or public health challenges that he said would otherwise have necessitated a postponement of learning.

“We thank God and the relevant authorities that this year’s school calendar has opened without postponement, unlike recent years when the rainy season was affected by cholera outbreaks,” he said in the one-page statement that he signed.

The ZCCB Education Secretary also thanked various stakeholders in the country’s education sector, saying, “I would like to congratulate all learners who have successfully passed their examinations and are progressing to Grade 10 and Form One, both in Catholic and Government schools.”

Fr. Namuhumba called upon parents and guardians to closely support their children by monitoring attendance, offering guidance, and working hand in hand with school authorities, noting that Parents and guardians are the “primary educators of their children.”