Teachers urged to uphold high standards

MANSA – Vice-President Mutale Nalumango has issued a clarion call to Zambia's teaching fraternity, urging them to resist complacency and embrace their pivotal role in national development. Speaking emphatically in Mansa, the Vice-President stressed that the teaching profession is not merely a career but a fundamental cornerstone upon which the nation's progress is built. Her remarks come at a time when the Zambian government, under President Hakainde Hichilema, has placed significant emphasis on revitalising the education sector, notably through the reintroduction and legal enshrinement of free education. Madam Nalumango, herself a former educator and Vice-President of the Secondary Schools' Teachers Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) before entering politics, possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and importance of the profession. Her message was clear: while the government is investing heavily in improving teachers' welfare and providing a conducive learning environment, educators must meet this commitment with unwavering dedication and professionalism. This includes a rejection of any practices that undermine the quality of education, such as absenteeism, late-coming, or inadequate preparation, which ultimately compromise the future of Zambian children. The government's efforts to recruit over 34,000 teachers in 2022 and 2023, coupled with the ongoing drive to provide adequate infrastructure and learning materials, underscore its resolve to transform the educational landscape. The Vice-President's challenge extends beyond mere classroom instruction; it encompasses the holistic development of learners into responsible, skilled, and patriotic citizens. Teachers are seen as key custodians of national values and aspirations, tasked with instilling discipline, critical thinking, and a strong work ethic in their pupils. The call to uphold high standards is particularly pertinent given the expanded access to education brought about by the free education policy, which