By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO? –
GOVERNMENT has released K19.5 million towards the clearance of the outstanding meal and book allowances at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU).
Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Childhood spokesperson Hillary Chipango announced that the ministry had received the resources.
Mr Chipango said the money had since been disbursed to registered CBU and UNZA students as at November 25.
Speaking to Journalists in Lusaka yesterday Mr Chipango said the two institutions of higher learning had been completely cleared and that there were no arrears currently.
“As at November 25 all students from UNZA and CBU had received their meal and book allowances,” he said.?Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education yesterday received four ambulances from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as support to teachers to ensure quality education is delivered in Northern, Eastern, Luapula and Western Provinces.
Education Minister John Phiri said cooperation between Government and other countries and stakeholders would enhance Education Management Information Systems (EMIS).
In a speech read for him by his Deputy David Mabumba, Dr Phiri said partnerships would enhance acess to early childhood education and improve school management and learning outcomes among other things.
“Let me state that the financial resources and expertise rendered to the Ministry from cooperating partners have created the preconditions for the implementation of policies aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) education targets and the introduction of free basic education,” he said.
UNICEF representative Hamid Ibrahim commended Government for its strides in improving access to basic education.
Dr Ibrahim assured that the UNICEF would continue supporting the ministry in alleviating its challenges at different levels.
“Continuous professional development and guidance from the standards officers is critical in ensuring that teachers are providing the right content to learners in the most effective way,” he said.