ZANEC calls for increased budgetary allocation to education

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is calling upon the Minister of Finance and National Development Planning to make a positive difference by considering increasing funding to the 2022 education and skills sector budget from the current 11.5% to at least 15% of the overall national budget with the aim of reaching 20% by the year 2023.

In a statement, ZANEC Executive Director George Hamusunga says also proposes for the introduction of an Education Levy that will provide dedicated funding to education.

Mr Hamusunga says his organization has great expectations that the new dawn government will demonstrate political will by significantly increasing the allocation to the 2022 national budget.

He says while the share of the education budget in the last 6 years has been on the downward trending, the Coalition is delighted that among the 9 education commitments outlined in the UPND manifesto, increasing the share of the education budget in line with the country’s commitment at international level is the first commitment.

Mr Hamusunga reiterates the need for increased budgetary allocation to the education sector given the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic that has negatively impacted on the delivery of quality education.

Mr Hamusunga states that in order for children to learn in safe and healthy environments amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Additional funding towards the supply of more teachers, public protective equipment, masks, hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities in schools is required among others.