Over 2.5 Million Children Back in School Under Free Education Policy

Описание: By Ruth Chayinda

Over 2.5 million children have returned to school across the country following the reintroduction of the free education policy in 2022, representing an increase from 2.3 million recorded last year.

President Hakainde Hichilema says the rise in pupil enrolment demonstrates that the free education policy is contributing to national development by giving children from vulnerable families an opportunity to access education.

He added that Government has introduced initiatives to support learners’ return to school, including the expansion of the school feeding programme from 1.5 million to 4.7 million beneficiaries.

Speaking in Parliament today during his national address on the progress made in the application of national values and principles, President Hichilema acknowledged challenges arising from the policy’s implementation but assured that measures have been put in place to maintain quality education, as reflected in last year’s impressive pass rate.

The President also assured Parliament that Government will continue expanding community-driven investments in health, water, and sanitation. He noted that since assuming office, Government has recruited 18,000 health workers and anticipates recruiting an additional 2,000 this year.

He further disclosed that Government plans to increase the Constituency Development Fund next year.

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