Education is an equaliser

Education is an equaliser. It creates a level playing field for all. This is the more reason, we have accepted the fact that it has no age limit. Yes, education comes in different forms which are categorised in either Formal or non-formal education. Zambia as a country, from the year, we got our independence from our then colonial masters, we have continued to make tremendous progress in education. We have a number of graduating from tertiary institutions like Colleges and Universities. Coming to primary and secondary education, those in urban areas have an advantage over those in rural areas in so many ways. These challenges range from the capacity of paying school fees, proper infrastructure,  availability of teaching materials in schools and electricity supply among others. In 2020, The year that promised many of milk and honey has given people nothing but panic and pain. The Zambian scenario has hit the education sector on its knees. The outbreak of the Coronavirus also knows as COVID 19 has had also its a share in the learning process. In its initial presence in the country, the government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of  Health with its counterpart Ministry of General Education closed schools indefinitely in the quest to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Yes, good move it is, considering the number of people who died globally. For the first time, pupils could not write their end of term one exam and were only served with taking home assignments. Later, The Ministry of General Education breaks the record of engaging Top star through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services to establish a television channel dubbed Edu TV also known as TV 4 and two other e-learning portals for learner's to continue accessing lessons from the comfort of their homes. A good idea it is. However, how many pupils have access to proper internet services and how many people have access to Television sets and decoders where one can sit and be able to learn without any interruptions? For those in urban areas, this idea will really benefit them if well utilised but what is there for pupils in rural areas?. Most rural areas in our country, there is a scarcity of availability of power supply and because of this citizens are never encouraged to buy Television sets and decoders, except few individuals who have genset and other forms of power supply. It is against such a background that I feel, The Ministry of General Education should find a way in which pupils in rural areas can also benefit from the lessons being offered on ZNBC through its Edu Tv4 channel on Topstar decoders. Why not make use of community radio stations which are present in almost all the districts across the country. I know this will help pupils to stay updated on a number of lessons. Creating a level playing field in the education sector. Each child should be given a chance to learn only then are going to have citizens who are well informed. I believe in our government and I know they can do this for the pupil in a rural area. #EducationIsKey #letsEncourageRuralEducation #TheCommunityAdvocate