By Tiyamike Makanga
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Education Committee Mutani Tambala has commended the government for implementing free secondary school education, saying the initiative has significantly reduced absenteeism among learners across the country.
Tambala made the remarks on Monday during a monitoring visit to St Francis Primary School, where she assessed the progress of the P Class project, and at Matenje Community Day Secondary School in Salima District.
“Challenges are always present, and I encourage all learners, teachers, and community members to make effective use of available resources to promote education,” said Tambala.Tambala said the free education policy is playing a key role in improving access to education and keeping learners in school.
She further emphasised the importance of P Class lessons, saying they are critical in preparing children for a smooth transition into primary school.
Deputy Director for Secondary Education Samuel Chibwana said the government has successfully released all grants pledged to support free primary and secondary education based on the average number of learners per school.
Chibwana said the funding is helping schools to manage operations and support the growing number of learners following the introduction of the policy.Headteacher for Matenje Community Day Secondary School Barbra Thawe said the initiative is progressing well, as reflected by increased student enrolment at the school.
Thawe, however, said there is a need for the government to increase both human and material resources to ensure a more conducive learning environment for learners.
