Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima has disclosed a total of 111, 116 candidates have obtained school certificates out of 163 408 candidates who sat for 2023 grade 12 general certificate of education.
Mr Sykalima stated that, of the 163,408 candidates who sat for the examination, 68.03 percent obtained school certificates representing a decrease of 1.26 percentage points from 69.29 percent in 2022.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Mr Syakalima stated an addition of over 39,000 candidates registered for the 2023 school certificate examinations increasing the total of registered candidates to 166,501, from 127,289 candidates who registered for the 2022 examination.
The Minister attributed the 30.88 percent increase to the successful implementation of the free education policy, among other interventions by the current administration.
“A total of 48,893 representing 29.92 percent candidates obtained statements of results, while 3,354 candidates failed the examination, and 3,093 candidates were absent from the examination, comprising 1,575 of which 50.92 percent are boys and 49.08 percent are girls,” Mr Syakalima revealed.
And The Minister announced that of the 166,593 registered candidates in 2023, 166,501 were from Zambian schools, while 92 were from St. Jeff College based in South Africa, the second time that ECZ has exported examinations.
Meanwhile, he also disclosed a total of 594 candidates have qualified for the 2023 award of teachers’ diplomas in their areas of specialization including in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching.
These are statistics that we’ve failed to use to help us understand youth problems and then devise means of addressing them. The total tertiary education annual enrollment capacity is less than 30,000, this means that about 140,000 youths are being offloaded on the streets every year without sufficient education and skills. When you include those that dropout at grades 7&9, you’ll get something like 500,000. This is a serious matter that can’t be addressed through slogans like “Bally will fit it” or opposition rhetoric. This is the reason I don’t agree with those that have opposed the change in the school curriculum. Our children require survival skills as early as grade 7. TEVETA must undergo radical transformation to help address this challenge
Further, I think that Douglas Syakalima must revisit his decision to reintroduce grade 7 examinations cut off point. Last year about 463,000 pupils sat for grade 7 exams. These average between 12 & 15 years. When they dropout, it’ll mean sending them into the streets at such a tender age. The policy for basic education that was introduced by the MMD was meant to keep children in school until they’re mature enough to face the harsh challenges of adult life. Although some are slow learners, at least by grade 9 they’d have grasped something
@ Ayatollah….
Good points. What you are saying makes of a lot sense. They system in place is creating a cycles of dumping kids in the streets.
Ayatollah #
Nice observations……………!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quality is in education is more important than huge numbers of unproductive citizens. Government has put in place mitigation measures for all in form of youth empowerment programs to carter for those who may not manage high academic achievements.
The PF reign introduced so many unhealthy changes to the education system which is why we see record pregnancies,riots at UNZA and severe fall in funding due to debts.
Education is crucial for the development of individuals and society as a whole. In any country, a well-structured education system is essential for imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and preparing individuals for productive and meaningful participation in the workforce and civic life. Education provides the foundation for personal growth, economic progress, and social cohesion, making it a cornerstone of modern society.
In the context of the Amish community, the structure of their education system plays a significant role in their ability to succeed in life. The Amish typically attend school only up to the eighth grade, after which they focus on vocational training and practical skills. This limited formal education may seem at odds with the broader societal emphasis on higher education, but it is aligned with the unique structure and values of the Amish community.
The success of the Amish individuals in their chosen way of life demonstrates the compatibility of their education structure with their cultural and societal norms. By focusing on practical skills and vocational training, the Amish are able to thrive within their community, which places a high value on agriculture, craftsmanship, and self-sufficiency. This example highlights the importance of aligning educational structures with the needs and values of a particular community or society.
Overall, education is important not only for individual growth and success but also for the well-being and progress of society at large. The example of the Amish community underscores the significance of tailoring educational structures to fit the specific needs and values of a society, demonstrating that success in life can be achieved through an educational system that aligns with the cultural and societal context.