Title: Overcrowding and Lack of Resources Threaten Quality of Free Education in Zambia
In a chilly winter morning at Chanyanya Primary and Secondary school in Zambia, students face the harsh reality of overcrowding and lack of resources due to the implementation of free primary and secondary education. The school, located just over an hour’s drive from the capital, Lusaka, is struggling to accommodate the influx of students since the government made schooling free for everyone in 2021.
16-year-old Richard Banda recounts his experience of arriving late to school and having to sit on the floor due to a shortage of desks. The overcrowding has become a significant challenge for both students and teachers, with classrooms designed for 30 pupils now accommodating up to 160 learners.
Teachers like Cleopatra Zulu express concerns about the quality of education being compromised as they struggle to give individual attention to the growing number of students. The lack of infrastructure investment has led to issues like inadequate seating, limited teaching resources, and overcrowded classrooms, affecting the learning experience of students, especially those from low-income families.
While the government has invested over $1 billion in the education sector and announced plans to build new schools and recruit more teachers, challenges persist. Some families have opted to move their children from public schools back to private institutions due to concerns about declining academic performance in overcrowded classrooms.
Despite the efforts to provide free education and improve access to schooling, the sustainability of the policy remains a concern. Experts warn that government expenditure could double if all eligible students take up the offer of free education, raising questions about the long-term commitment to the policy.
Education Minister Douglas Syakalima remains optimistic about the government’s ability to address the challenges and ensure quality education for all. While free education is a crucial step towards empowering young Zambians, the country’s experience highlights the importance of balancing access with quality to provide students with a fair chance at a brighter future.
