Reported by: Samuel Ernest.
Date: 25th February, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia
The United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Zambia, Her Excellency Rebecca Terzeon, has reaffirmed her government’s strong commitment to supporting Zambia’s education sector, praising the country’s strides in expanding inclusive and quality education.
During a courtesy visit to Zambia’s Minister of Education, Honourable Douglas Syakalima, in Lusaka, Ms. Terzeon highlighted the longstanding partnership between the UK and Zambia in advancing education. She emphasized that investing in education is a catalyst for national development, stating that nations with well-educated populations are more likely to experience economic prosperity and sustainable growth.
“Better-educated countries are likely to be more prosperous, which is a win-win, benefitting both the country itself and its trading partners now and in the future,” she remarked.
The High Commissioner commended Zambia for its Education for All policy, which has significantly increased school enrollment, and for the development and rollout of a new school curriculum designed to enhance learning outcomes.
She further highlighted the UK’s contributions to Zambia’s education sector through targeted initiatives, including:
Girls’ Education Programme – benefiting over 70,000 children, this initiative enhances access to quality secondary education, particularly in underserved areas.
Keeping Girls in School (KGS) Programme – providing grants to over 30,000 schoolgirls as a social safety net, ensuring continuity in their education.
“We look forward to further discussions with the Zambian government on how we can enhance our collaboration to sustain efforts in keeping learners in school and delivering quality education,” Ms. Terzeon added.
In response, Hon. Douglas Syakalima expressed gratitude for the UK’s unwavering support, describing the partnership as a transformative force in Zambia’s education landscape. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning opportunities.
“It is our resolve that an inclusive education system prevails in every sphere of our people, and that quest is ongoing,” Hon. Syakalima stated.
He further noted that Zambia’s Free Education Policy, complemented by the School Feeding Programme, has drastically reduced absenteeism and boosted school attendance rates.
“This year, we will have 106 districts participating in the School Feeding Programme, which will further enhance the number of healthy and engaged learners,” he said.
The meeting underscored the mutual commitment of both Zambia and the UK to enhance education access, equity and quality.
As the New Dawn Government continues to expand its education initiatives, the UK remains a key partner in ensuring that every child, especially girls and vulnerable learners, receives the education they deserve.
The Agency.
