The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia – NAQEZ has charged that the overreliance on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has contributed to the slow progress in addressing the desk shortage in schools.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times ZBT, Dr. Aaron Chansa, Executive Director at NAQEZ, stressed that if this issue is not promptly resolved, students will continue to suffer from the lack of proper seating arrangements well beyond 2024.
Dr. Chansa expressed serious concerns about the lack of desks in schools across the country and emphasized that the situation has led to students sitting on the ground due to the scarcity of desks.
To tackle this pressing challenge, Chansa proposed the establishment of an alternative funding mechanism outside of CDF to ensure a steady supply of desks. He also emphasized the importance of mobilizing the private sector to contribute to desk provision in schools.
Expressing his dismay at the prolonged lack of desks in Zambian schools, Chansa urged for swift action, stating that it is unacceptable for students to endure such conditions in a country that has been independent for over 60 years.
He underscored the need for efficient and expedited processes, expressing hope that the Minister of Education’s commitment to addressing the issue will yield tangible results.
Chansa also highlighted the need for the government to address the challenges facing the CDF, emphasizing the importance of streamlining fund disbursement to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to address the desk shortage. He stressed that education should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost, and called for a more concerted effort to prioritize quality education in the country.
Chansa emphasized that the development of schools should be a matter of political will, and expressed hope that the government’s commitment to free education will extend beyond rhetoric to address the fundamental resource shortages, including access to computers, desks, books, and housing for teachers.
The lack of adequate desks in schools is a critical issue that demands urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that students have the necessary infrastructure to support their learning and development.
