Private learning institutions supplement Government efforts to educate and produce skilled manpower needed to develop our country.
However,most private institutions are not living up to the expected standards.The proprietors are more interested in making financial gains than producing quality graduates.This has dented the image of most graduates from private colleges in the job market.
They are seen to be half-baked and a big risk.
It is unacceptable that students who do not meet the minimum qualifications to enter tertiary learning institutions are being enrolled in most of our private colleges.
As a teacher, i have seen some of my former pupils who do not even qualify to be in colleges being accepted.These students are normally advised to resit their O levels but that is not easy as they have dual roles.
Private colleges should set standards that must be respected as can be seen by some private schools in our country.Compromising standards in learning institutions has a direct effect on efficiency.
Concerned Teacher

Kudos to QFM

l would like to congratulate Qfm, a private radio station operating in Zambia for expanding the coverage area to places such as Chipata, Mongu and Solwezi.
The Ministry of information and broadcast also deserves credit for creating an enabling environment for private media institutions to expand.
As a civic educationist I am an advocate of media freedom.lt is a shame that in the past, we have had ministers who were against such expansion programmes.Ironically, most private stations in Zambia are online and can be accessed worldwide using the internet so it was strange that some people in previous governments would not allow expansion of coverage areas.
Information is power and access to information is a right of every citizen.
Wisdom Kaunda
Kabwe

NEPAL WITH YOU WE CRY
(A sonnet of strength)
Callous in nature oblivious of their leap,
Natural calamities silently sleep,
In the realm of the human eye,
A mystery beyond the knowledge of the ear.

We render our cog our song,
It shall heal no matter how long.
Despite the dark cloud, we are part of your breath,
In the wheel of strength.

Our word soothing in the bleeding wound,
Let that broken heart mend.
Let all roads across the Universe,
Despite the colour, creed or race,
Be therapy to heal that heart,
For that plant to sprout.

CHRIS MULENGA

0955787910 / 0975125153

chrismulenga@yahoo.com