Sata saddened with numerous challenges in education sector

Sata saddened with numerous challenges in education sector

Lusaka, June 28, ZANIS—President Michael Sata has observed that the teaching service is facing numerous challenges which need to be addressed urgently.

Mr. Sata said people that charged with the responsibility of addressing these challenges in the education sector should work hard.

He was speaking at State House today when he swore in education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education deputy ministry Patrick Ngoma.

President Sata implored Mr. Ngoma, who is Feira Member of Parliament in Luangwa district, to work closely with the Minister of Education, John Phiri to address the problems in the education sector.

He bemoaned the fact that nearly 50 years of Zambia’s political independence, some children in Luangwa district are still subjected to walking long distances to access primary education.

President Sata said more efforts should be applied in the education sector so as to enable more children in rural districts to access primary education.

“Mr. Ngoma, you are not new to this discipline because when I was District Governor of Lusaka, I found you teaching and poached you from teaching to bring you in politics. We have given you the opportunity. You know the problems in the teaching service therefore assist your minister who is an educationist like you,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Sata told Mr. Ngoma to use his position as deputy minister to address problems in the teaching service.

The President expressed optimism that Mr. Ngoma will contribute positively in the improvement of the education system.

“I have been in Luangwa with you. Let us provide education to all the poor children. You must be embarrassed that 50 years of independence, we still have children walking long distance to access primary education,” he noted.

And speaking to Journalists after being sworn in, Mr. Ngoma thanked President Sata for reappointing him as deputy minister in the Ministry of Education.

Mr. Ngoma admitted that the education sector has a lot of challenges and called for concerted effort in addressing the problems.