ON Monday, September 9, Zambia commemorated International Literacy Day under the theme “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace.”
The event, was officially held in Nakonde. It highlighted the country’s efforts to improve literacy rates and foster a more inclusive society.
World Vision Zambia’s education technical programme manager, Francis Sampa provided insights into the current state of literacy in the country.
Dr Sampa emphasised the positive impact of World Vision’s literacy programmes, such as ‘Learning Roots’ and ‘Unlock Literacy’.
He said these initiatives have resulted in significant improvements in reading comprehension among learners.
“When we started the implementation of the ZREAD programme in 2017, literacy levels in our catchment areas were at 12.6% and improved to 25.2% in 2021.”
“Our most recent assessment results for 2023 indicate that learner performance increased to 35% in reading comprehension among learners assessed,” Dr Sampa said.
Dr Sampa acknowledged the disparities in literacy rates between different regions and provinces, attributing them to factors like teacher-pupil ratios, resource availability, and infrastructure.
To address these disparities, World Vision is supplementing government efforts by providing teaching and learning materials, building teacher capacity, and promoting inclusive learning environments.
“World Vision through the education programming is working with community volunteers (reading camp facilitators) who hold reading camp sessions during the weekend to ensure children participate in literacy activities.”
“Because of the free education, there are more children enrolling in schools and their are more children in classrooms. World Vision is supporting teachers to use different methods of teaching that allow them to support and manage large classes (differentiated learning, pair work, group work, out of classroom activities,etc),” he said.
Dr Sampa also cited over-dependency on donor support limits the ability to sustain programme activities beyond the project lifespan, Therefore, World Vision is also building the capacity of Ministry of Education officials to ensure sustainability.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC), executive director George Hamusunga commended the government for establishing early childhood centers and equipping them with locally developed materials.
However, he expressed concern about the low literacy rates, particularly in rural areas and among women, which hinder their participation in socioeconomic development.
Hamusunga attributed these disparities to underfunding of the education sector and inadequate teacher deployment.
Tackling the current electricity crisis in the country Hamusunga called for the purchase of solar lamps and panels in literacy centers in order to facilitate learning amidst the power challenges .
“There should be adequate funding to the creation and publication of educational resources such as texts and stories written in native language to promote multilingual education and advocated for funds to build more centres,” he added, referring to this year’s theme.
He called for increased funding for education, the construction of more literacy centers, and salary harmonisation among teachers.
Additionally, he advocated for the deployment of more adult literacy teachers and the prioritisation of youth and adult literacy education.
Furthermore Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary represented by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Henry Mukungule, encouraged stakeholders to promote literacy programmes and stressed the potential benefits of literacy, such as accessing resources like the Constituency Development Fund, business loans, educational bursaries, and Social Cash Transfer funds.
As Zambia continues to strive for improved literacy rates, the challenges and opportunities presented by International Literacy Day serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in education and promoting multilingualism for a more equitable and harmonious society.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba September 14, 2024
