The government of Zambia has recently added a clause to its constitution that mandates a minimum qualification of a Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent (Graduate Equivalency Diploma – GED) for anyone who wishes to be elected as a councillor or MP. As well, anyone applying for entry into post-secondary education must also have these qualifications. In a country where the average time spent in formal education for most adults is 4.5 years, these requirements reduce opportunities, especially for women, and those living in poverty and/or in rural areas.
Sisters of the Child Jesus have established a program at their chapter house in Kasama that enables adult learners and out-of-school youth to study and prepare to sit their GED exams. EcoSystem will supply educational tools, textbooks and teacher resources – along with computers – to facilitate training for adult learners preparing for their exams and also to support youth and adult literacy efforts.
Sisters of the Child Jesus and their commitment to education
As seen in this recent infographic from UNESCO (left) celebrating the 50th Anniversary of International Literacy Day (September 8), important improvements have been made toward literacy in Zambia. Youth literacy has seen a 23% increase over the past 15 years and while this is significant progress, youth and adult literacy rates still stand at 60-69%.
Sisters of the Child Jesus have a strong commitment to the people of Zambia and a strong mission for education. The Sisters are Learning For Humanity’s first educational partner in Zambia, operating Stella Maris Convent School and Chilonga College of Nursing and Midwifery. Not only do they currently run 12 schools (ECE to Grade 12), including 2 schools for the blind and are preparing to build a University on the outskirts of Kasama. They believe there needs to be more opportunities for Zambians to obtain higher education and it’s their goal to establish an Information and Technology University.
Learning for Humanity needs your help. Give the Gift of Education