The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has expressed happiness at the performance of girls in the 2009 grade nine examinations.
FAWEZA National Coordinator Daphne Chimuka says the current performance rate of girls is a clear indication that Zambia is making progress in its quest to promote girl child education.
She told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the country’s efforts in achieving high levels of women’s participation in decision making positions are slowly becoming a reality.
Ms Chimuka noted that a six percent progression rate from 2008 should be seen as a signal that the country is on track towards achieving education for all by 2015.
She commended government for allowing all female candidates who obtained full certificates in Western province to go through to Grade 10.
She said the move taken by government will go a long way in encouraging more girls to access high school education and will ultimately improve their lives.
Meanwhile, Ms. Chimuka has urged government to increase the number of boarding school places in Western Province. She said that currently there are few high and boarding school places making it difficult for those selected but coming from far areas to get places.
She said this situation has put candidates especially girls at a high risk of being abused and exploited as they are made to seek accommodation elsewhere rather than within the school premises.
Ms. Chimuka further added that this is why stakeholders should challenge government to include a chapter in the Sixth National Development Plan that will advocate for an increase in the number of boarding schools in the country.
The Ministry of Education announced a six percent progression rate in the 2009 grade nine results where 133,241 out 247,247 candidates who sat for examinations last year were selected to grade 10.
ZANIS
