The Ministry of Education has released a report dubbed “The Cost of Inaction” that gives government cost estimates of educating children under Early Childhood Education (ECE).
The Report, funded by the Rodger Federer Foundation, also gives cost estimates of constructing infrastructure for ECE and also the cost of hiring ECE teachers.
Vice President, Mrs.Mutale Nalumango, who was represented by Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima, officially launched the report that also gives cost estimates of buying ECE teaching materials.
The Vice President said the report provides government with evidence based information for decision making processes and policy development related to Zambia’s commitments to delivering quality ECE services to all children aged 3-6 years.
She added that the current challenges confronting our education system are complex and multifaceted, requiring concerted efforts and collaboration across all sectors.
“From Early Childhood Education to tertiary education. We face issues that demand the combined resources and expertise of government bodies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies.” Mrs Nalumango said.
The Vice President said the report on the cost of inaction in early childhood education serves as a powerful reminder that it is essential to create well-structured, sustainable partnerships for the future.
She added that Zambia has made significant strides in the ECE sector.
The Vice President commended the Roger Federer Foundation for their generous support to government through the financing of the research.
And Education Minister, in a speech read for him by Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary – Education Services, Joel Kamoko said the Ministry of Education needs to partner with different stakeholders such as the Roger Federer foundation.
He thanked the Roger Federer Foundation for complementing the Ministry of Education’s work.
And Roger Federer Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Janine Handel said the report will help the Zambian government to make well informed decision making.
She praised Zambia for making positive and progressive changes in the ECE sector.