Initiate Systems to Address Free Education Gaps, Jesuit Scholars in Zambia Urge Government

“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.”