Zambia to Upgrade Basic Schools for Expanded Secondary Education

During a ministerial statement on Thursday, Education Minister Douglas Syakalima announced that selected basic schools in Zambia will be upgraded to offer education from Form One to Form Four. This initiative aims to accommodate students who cannot secure placements in existing secondary schools.

Syakalima explained that Provincial Education Officers (PEOs) have been directed to prioritise boarding and day secondary schools for Form One placements. In cases where learners who passed the Grade 7 Examination cannot be accommodated, PEOs will identify basic schools suitable for upgrading. Factors such as infrastructure, population demand, proximity to existing secondary schools, and availability of specialised teachers will determine the selection process.

The minister reassured that newly upgraded schools will be considered in upcoming teacher recruitment efforts to ensure they receive adequate staff. He also highlighted the government’s ongoing construction of 45 weekly boarding facilities to support students in remote areas. Vulnerable learners will benefit from CDF bursaries, enabling them to access education while being protected from social challenges such as teenage pregnancies and drug abuse.

Additionally, Syakalima provided updates on the government’s infrastructure development strategy. A total of 82 secondary schools have been completed, while 220 stalled projects are being revived. Of the 115 previously halted schools, 69 are now operational, with 46 scheduled for completion by December 2025. The Ministry is also constructing 120 new secondary schools across the country.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised about whether the new curriculum required additional materials. Syakalima clarified that existing textbooks remain useful, with only minor additions required. Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti suggested a parliamentary meeting to further educate members on the curriculum changes.