By ANDREW PHIRI –
GOVERNMENT says it is imperative for all stakeholders to work together towards attaining positive goals and ensuring the delivery of quality education.
Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Permanent Secretary Christine Mayondi said it was through excellence in education that the country could be assured of a strong, sustainable and noble society.
She said this in Livingstone last weekend during the ninth Basic Education Teachers Union (BETUZ) annual general conference which was attended by representatives from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Teachers are the mirror through which society sees itself. A prosperous nation has its teachers to thank for laying the foundation for national development.
“What teachers do in the classroom will impact greatly on governance systems and leadership,” she said.
Ms Mayondi assured teachers in the country that the Government would meet most of their demands no matter how long it took to respond.
The union called for further consultations and sensitisation on the introduction of local languages as a medium of instruction from Grades one to four pupils.
BETUZ president Cosmas Mukuka said the policy on local languages had brought a lot of debate and controversy with parents and teachers, saying the well-meant programme was bound to fail if it was not handled properly.
Mr Mukuka said the public reactions to the introduction of the local language curriculum should not be seen as frustrating Government’s efforts but should serve as a lesson to those in power to make consultations before implementing policies.