Government has called for more partnership in the education sector than before in order to improve education standards in Zambia.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education David Mabumba said there was need for more private and public institutions to partner with government in providing the much needed human capital initiatives.
Mr. Mabumba was speaking in Lusaka last night during the launch of the British Council’s new offices at Aquarius house.
He noted that it was comforting that international organisations such as the British Council were adapting and evolving their work in a way that reflects how Zambia was fast developing.
He said his ministry has enjoyed strong mutual relations with the British council and that government appreciates the partnership which supports its efforts to improve national standards in education.
The Deputy Minister has since commended the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms Programme (CCP) which it has set up 11 digital hubs in provinces across the country.
He said the hubs were transforming the school learning environment and providing information communication technologies (ICT) access and skills development.
Mr. Mabumba further commended the partnership between the British Council and Zambia Information Communication Technologies Agency (ZICTA) which is aimed at setting up more hubs in the country whose benefits are expected to be felt immediately.
And British High Commissioner James Thornton said the British Council was committed to improving education in the world.
Mr. Thornton said through its values of openness, diversity and tolerance, the British Council will continue to provide linkages and exchanges in the education sector.
He added that linkages between countries are not only valuable but also important in the promotion of entrepreneurship and essential life skills.
Meanwhile, British Council Country Director Donna McGowan said the council has deliberately centred its work on education because economic success was increasingly based on effective use of knowledge, skills and innovative research.
Ms. McGowan said the council will continue to partner with government and stakeholders and was looking forward to developing more cooperation across all its three areas of work of openness, diversity and tolerance.
She stated that the council will be re-investing in its arts programme in Zambia after a few years break working with other countries in the region.
Speaking earlier, former Director of Education Department in the Ministry of Education Ruth Mubanga said the global school programme by the British council was extremely important for young people as it exposes them to a lot of skills and benefits.
Ms. Mubanga said the programme gives school leaders a platform to interact with the world and express their opinions on things affecting them.