Zambian Education Curriculum to Undergo Major Reform

The Zambian Ministry of Education has commenced the transformation process of the curriculum syllabus to expand the capabilities of future Zambians. The reform intends to cultivate the human capital required to generate societal development and progress.

Douglas Syakalima, Education Minister, has emphasised the significance of a well-organised education curriculum in assisting individuals to acquire crucial competencies in learning.

At the official inauguration of the capacity-building workshop on curriculum planned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE), Syakalima outlined the significant effect a curriculum can have on an educational landscape and stressed the importance of a curriculum reform.

He stated that “an effective curriculum is the cornerstone of a nation’s educational system, and it plays a crucial role in nurturing individuals who are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” to members of the delegation.

The workshop held many high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Education and focused on expanding their skills and knowledge in curriculum development. Syakalima additionally noted the importance of having an education curriculum which educates students not only on subject-specific knowledge, but also necessary life skills such as creative and adaptable thinking to ensure Zambians can thrive in a fast-changing world.

Florence Ssereno, IBE Programme Specialist, emphasised that the initiatives undertaken by UNESCO-IBE align closely with the resolutions decided in the Transforming Education Summit, an equally significant event convened last year. These initiatives reflect the commitment to reform and improvements in the Zambian education sector, ensuring that curricula remain relevant and receptive to the fluctuating requirements of modern society.

Similarly, the UNESCO Chief of Education Section for the Southern African Region Office, Peter Wells shared these sentiments, reflecting on the fundamental necessity of designing a curriculum that tailors educational experiences to progress an individual’s development in a range of skills.