ZANEC COMMENDS GOVERNMENT ON LEARNER COUNCILS DIRECTIVE

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has commended the Ministry of Education for directing all schools to establish school learner councils by the end of September 2026 following the recent boarding school bullying case. Board Chairperson Henry Kabwe said the development is a long overdue issue as many schools kept abrogating the provisions of the […]

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has commended the Ministry of Education for directing all schools to establish school learner councils by the end of September 2026 following the recent boarding school bullying case.

Board Chairperson Henry Kabwe said the development is a long overdue issue as many schools kept abrogating the provisions of the Education Act of 2011 which provides for their establishment.

“We believe that this is a bold step to put learners at the centre of school safety, governance and access to quality education,” Kabwe has told the media in a statement.

He said the learner councils will give pupils a safe channel to report bullying, abuse, teacher absenteeism, and other concerns before they escalate.

“We urge the Ministry of Education to: Issue clear guidelines on elections and protection of council members so that they are clearly learner led. Schools with good practices are available to share how they run them.

Facilitate the capacity development of teachers on safeguarding and child participation to avoid tokenistic and decorative approaches to merely tick boxes;

Ensure councils are inclusive of girls, boys, and learners with disabilities; and link councils to school guidance and counseling services

Kabwe said bullying and other forms of abuse such as sexual harassment of learners thrive in silence and learner councils can break that silence.

“ZANEC stands ready to support the government in general and the Ministry of Education in particular to ensure these councils are functional and protect every child,” he added.

Francis Chipalo