ZAMBIA: ZCCB Endorses New Education Curriculum Framework

Sandra Kunda

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Education Department has welcomed the implementation of the new Education Curriculum Framework in schools.

ZCCB National Education Secretary, Fr. Leonard Namuhumba, described the new curriculum as a positive step forward, emphasizing competence and practical application of skills and knowledge rather than prioritizing marks, as was the case with the previous curriculum.

Fr. Namuhumba noted that while Zambia has many highly educated individuals, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers who can perform specific jobs.

He explained that the hands-on training incorporated in the new curriculum would significantly impact the quality of the country’s workforce.

“The development of the country is driven by skills, and this can only be achieved by teaching these skills to learners from early childhood education,” he stated.

He added that the new curriculum would stimulate creativity and critical thinking among learners, equipping them to address real-world challenges.

However, Fr. Namuhumba also acknowledged the challenges associated with the new curriculum which the government needs to address, for successful implementation and positive results of the new curriculum.

“The new curriculum requires more infrastructure to allow pupils practice what they learn in class. For example, if a student chooses a path in engineering, they will need access to labs, equipment, workshops, and other resources in real-time,” he said.

He emphasized the need for updated materials such as textbooks, the recruitment of additional teachers, and the induction of educators into the new curriculum framework.

He also noted that the need for the construction of new classrooms to accommodate the growing demands of the curriculum.

Fr. Namuhumba further highlighted the increasing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that people can now easily obtain qualifications through technology therefore it is only imperative to adapt to teaching methods that meet the challenges posed by these advancements, making the introduction of this curriculum timely and necessary.