Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, has revealed that a total of 560 new educational facilities are being constructed across the country under the Zambia Education Enhancement Project (ZEEP) and the Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) initiative.
Mr. Syakalima said 118 out of the targeted 120 secondary schools are currently under construction, with several nearing completion, while construction of the remaining two schools is expected to start soon.
“These schools are being constructed in more than 70 districts across all 10 provinces, ensuring equitable access to secondary education,” said Mr. Syakalima in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Syakalima highlighted that the ZEEL initiative, which targets early childhood development, is driving the construction of 440 Early Childhood Education (ECE) hubs and satellite centers, with 222 centers already under construction in 45 districts, with the rest set to follow in the ongoing phases of the project.
He has further noted that ZEEL aims to improve access to quality early learning for children aged 3 to 6 years, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities marked by high poverty levels, dense populations, and low enrolment rates.
Meanwhile, Senior Planner at the Copperbelt Education Provincial Office, Mr. Kennedy Miti, said the provincial administration is aggressively monitoring the projects to ensure quality.
By Margaret Mwanza
