SIMON MUNTEMBA writes GOVERNMENT decision to reduce the school fees starting from next term is not only good news but a welcome policy which will allow pupils from poor families to access the much needed education, says Chief Kathumba of the Chewa people in Sinda and Katete districts. Recently, Minister of General Education, David Mabumba, announced in Parliament that the fees in all Zambian public secondary schools will be reduced next term to enable most people have access to education. Mr Mabumba said no school will be allowed to charge fees of more than K300 and warned that any institution found to be abrogating the new regulations will be dealt with. In an interview, Chief Kathumba, who bemoaned the current high school fees expressed happiness at the Minister’s announcement to reduce school fees. He said the current high school fees were hindering the pupils who come from poor families from accessing education. “We are really happy that government has reduced the school fees because education is the only key that can allow the citizen to have a vision for their country,” said the traditional leader. “The decision by government to reduce school fees is not only good news but a welcome policy which will allow pupils from poor families to accessing the much needed education,” Chief Kathumba said. He said this time Civil Societies Organisations (CSOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and other NGOs that have interest to help orphaned and vulnerable children to access education will now find it easy to provide sponsorship. The traditional leader has since challenged parents to take advantage of the fees reduction and send their children to school. He said there was no reason why a parent now blame the issue of fees for not sending their children to school.
Chief Kathumba has also requested government to maintain the new policy and not to change it any time soon.
