“Given the role that quality education plays in the development of the country’s economy and society, JCTR is thus concerned about the system's weaknesses, which can easily be misused or abused if not diligently safeguarded,” JCTR officials say.
They further urge education stakeholders to assist the government in ensuring that the free education policy achieves its intended objectives.
“We must all work together to combat corruption because corruption breaches human rights and denies ordinary citizens, especially the poor, access to social services,” say members of the research, education and advocacy institute based in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.
They also call on ordinary citizens, especially parents and guardians, to report any cases of graft or policy implementation challenges to the appropriate authorities.
“We believe that active citizen participation will help our country to attain high levels of accountability and transparency at all levels of governance and public resource management. This in turn will deliver greater human development outcomes. Together we can,” the Jesuit scholars say in their February 15 statement.
The free education policy kicked off in the Southern African nation on January 10.
Last week, members of the Jesuit institute lauded the Zambian government for introducing free education in the country.
Describing the policy, which took effect on January 10 this year as a step in the right direction, JCTR officials said free education is essential in bridging the gap between the poor and rich in Zambia.
They added that the free education policy “does aid in providing a cushion to households insofar as meeting the household basic needs is concerned.”
Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At ACI Africa, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news from Africa, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church - so that you can grow in your Catholic faith.
When you subscribe to the ACI Africa Updates, we will send you a daily email with links to the news you need.
Use the form below to stay informed, and to tell us where we can send the ACI Africa Updates!
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
