05/10/2026
BETUZ COMMENDS GOVERNMENT ON EDUCATION INVESTMENTS
Monday, 5th October, 2026
The Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) has commended the Government for its investment in education during the first term of the UPND Administration, saying the interventions have expanded access and improved learner participation nationwide.
Speaking during the 2026 World Teachers' Day celebrations in Mansa, BETUZ President Elias Ntimpa cited the introduction of Free Education, the recruitment of more than 42,000 teachers, the construction of classrooms and schools, the provision of desks and the expansion of the school feeding programme as key achievements.
Mr Ntimpa said the interventions has enabled more than 2.6 million learners to return to school across the country.
He, however, called for continued investment in teachers, particularly the urgent upgrading of more than 29,000 teachers affected by the backlog. He also urged the Government to improve conditions of service, provide more housing and rural incentives, and increase funding to the education sector.
Meanwhile, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama-Kangwa has praised teachers for their dedication, saying their efforts have helped the province attain first position nationally in Grade 7 examinations and improve its Grade 12 performance from eighth to fifth position.
Mrs Chinama-Kangwa said Government’s investment in education was also an investment in teachers, as improved infrastructure, increased staffing and school feeding programmes were creating a more supportive environment for teaching and learning.
“Every classroom is, in effect, a construction site where the human infrastructure of Zambia is being built. When we invest in teachers, we are investing in the future,” she stated.
Provincial Education Officer Grace Sinkolongo said the Government had further supported teachers through infrastructure development, the provision of desks, school feeding programmes, the establishment of 44 early childhood education centres in Luapula, smart classrooms, improved internet connectivity, recruitment and professional development.
Ms Sinkolongo urged teachers to sustain the province’s “Journey to the Top” campaign and work towards the 90 Plus One target, particularly by giving greater attention to learners at risk of failing.
Mansa District Education Board Secretary Joseph Mubanga also commended teachers for their dedication, especially those handling examination classes, saying their efforts had contributed to the district’s strong examination performance.
Mr Mubanga reminded teachers that every learner they teach represents Zambia’s future and urged them to embrace the new curriculum with professionalism, dedication and passion.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day is being commemorated under the theme “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.”
Luapula Provincial Administration Public Relations Unit
