Zambia: Education Minister Douglas Syakalima has provided an update on the development of ‘Education Plus’. The Initiative is a high-profile, high-level political advocacy drive to accelerate actions and investments to prevent HIV.
He claimed that his Ministry has made remarkable progress in leading Zambia in the development of an investment case. He also shard some details about what the Initiative entails for the youngsters of Zambia.
The Initiative is centred on empowerment of adolescent girls and young women and the achievement of gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa—with secondary education as the strategic entry point.
The Minister delivered virtual remarks at the 22nd Edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA). The event was hosted on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
In his remarks, Syakalima said the investment case will demonstrate the benefits of investing in girls’ education. He reinforced his point in light of the adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health outcomes and associated financial savings and benefits.
“I am happy to announce that the Education sector funding increased from 11% to 14% in the 2023 national budget, demonstrating the importance placed on education, particularly girls’ education,” Syakalima said.
He went on to say that Zambia is making significant strides towards improving the health and wellness of its adolescents and young people. They are doing this through various partners who are helping the country meet this mandate.
“Through the World Bank supported girl’s education and women’s empowerment and livelihoods and USAID’s dreams projects among others, Zambia is advancing education plus.” The Minister explained.
The Minister said that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, hosted the continental launch of the “Education Plus” Initiative in 2022. During the launch, he committed Zambia to this Initiative.
The Minister of Education announced that the Initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women, among other socio-economic benefits at the individual and national level.
He further added that Zambia remains committed to ensuring that young people have access to accurate, right based life skills and health education.
“We intentionally do so because we know that young people need this information more than ever,” Syakalima said.
The people of Zambia are applauding the Ministry for doing their job well. Some members of the Zambian population also urged the government to take steps to punish teachers who assault students.
