DORA SILIYA LAUDS FREE EDUCATION AS A LIFELINE FOR POOR ZAMBIANS

LUSAKA – Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Dora Siliya, has thrown her weight behind the free education policy spearheaded by President Hakainde Hichilema's government, describing it as a vital lifeline for economically disadvantaged Zambians. Siliya, a prominent political figure who served under both the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF) administrations, lauded the initiative for its profound potential to transform the lives of countless children who might otherwise be denied access to schooling. Since its implementation at the start of the 2022 academic year, the free education policy, which covers tuition fees from early childhood education up to grade 12, has been a cornerstone of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government's social agenda. Its primary objective is to dismantle financial barriers to education, thereby increasing school enrollment and retention rates, particularly in rural and low-income urban areas. The policy has been met with widespread public approval, although challenges related to infrastructure, teacher-pupil ratios, and resource allocation have emerged as the system accommodates a surge in student numbers. Ms. Siliya's commendation is particularly noteworthy given her political history. Her public endorsement transcends traditional political divides, suggesting a recognition of the policy's tangible benefits across the political spectrum. She highlighted that for many years, the cost of education, including tuition, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions, and various levies, proved insurmountable for numerous families, forcing children out of school or preventing them from enrolling altogether. The current policy, she argued, directly addresses this historical inequity, offering a genuine opportunity for upward mobility through education. While the government has consistently championed the policy as a key achievement, critics have pointed to the strain