The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Education Department has welcomed the implementation of the new Education Curriculum Framework in schools describing the development as a positive step forward.
ZCCB National Education Secretary, Leonard Namuhumba emphasized that the framework focuses on 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 to perform certain jobs.
He explained that the hands-on training incorporated in the new curriculum will have a significant positive impact on 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,” said Fr Namuhumba.
He said that the new curriculum will also stimulate creativity and critical thinking among learners, equipping them to address real-world challenges.
Meanwhile, Fr. Namuhumba acknowledged the significant demands associated with the new curriculum which government needs to address for the successful implementation and positive results of the new curriculum.
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.
Fr. Namuhumba has since emphasized the need for the construction of new classrooms to accommodate the growing demands of the curriculum.
By Margaret Mwanza