Govt. has adequately budgeted for new curriculum

Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Minister John Phiri has said there was no way government can launch the new curriculum without budgeting for it.

Dr. Phiri said government has allocated about K113 million for the procurement of various materials that will be used in the implementation of the new curriculum which compels pupils to learn in their local languages from grade one to grade four.

He was reacting to an appeal by Basic Education Teachers’ Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Secretary General Jeffrey Simuntala for government to mobilize funds for the new education policy which demands that pupils from grade one to four should be taught in local languages.

He told ZANIS in a telephone interview in Lusaka today that the planning for the new learning curriculum started two years ago.

He added that the curriculum will be implemented this year after receiving adequate financing
from government.

Dr. Phiri further clarified that this move was meant to simplify the learning and understanding of the children’s environment.

He said the low achievement standards of the learners have been as a result of the language of instruction being administered to them.

The minister said learning in Zambian languages will enhance pupils’ ability to learn and understand effectively.

Dr. Phiri has since appealed to the media to help sensitize the nation on the benefits of children learning in local languages.

He said this new curriculum will enable children to interpret their environment.