The Ministry of Education has assured the nation that it is fully prepared for the reopening of schools on January 12, as learners return for the 2026 academic year under an expanding new curriculum framework. Speaking in an interview , Assistant Director, Head of communication at the Ministry of Education, Kunda Mando, said the ministry is excited to welcome learners back to school and has put comprehensive measures in place to ensure a smooth and productive start of the term. ZANIS reports that Ms Mando revealed that schools will observe a “zero week” from January 5 to January 9, a critical preparation period during which teachers will develop lesson plans and schemes of work, while head teachers will hold planning meetings with management teams and heads of departments.
Ms Mando stated that schools across the country have already been cleaned and prepared ahead of learners’ return, a practice made possible through school grants that allow head teachers to employ gardeners and cleaners.She explained that the ministry has continued its phased implementation of the new curriculum, which began in 2025 with Early Childhood Education (ECE), Grade One, and Form One, these learners will now progress to ECE Level Two, Grade Two, and Form Two, while new entrants at ECE Level One, Grade One, and Form One will also join under the revised curriculum.“This gradual phase-in and phase-out of the curriculum is an internationally accepted approach, it allows learners to transition smoothly while ensuring consistency and quality in education delivery.” she saidMs Mando emphasised that the new curriculum places strong focus on practical learning, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling learners to go beyond memorization and actively engage with knowledge.“We want learners who can think outside the box, innovate, and become self-reliant citizens capable of creating jobs, not just seeking employment,” she said.Ms Mando reiterated that by 2028, Zambia will witness the final Grade Seven and Grade Twelve examinations under the old curriculum, alongside the first Grade Six and Form Four examinations under the new system.She encouraged the public to remain informed and supportive as the education sector continues to evolve. Ms Mando stated that schools across the country have already been cleaned and prepared ahead of learners’ return, a practice made possible through school grants that allow head teachers to employ gardeners and cleaners. She explained that the ministry has continued its phased implementation of the new curriculum, which began in 2025 with Early Childhood Education (ECE), Grade One, and Form One, these learners will now progress to ECE Level Two, Grade Two, and Form Two, while new entrants at ECE Level One, Grade One, and Form One will also join under the revised curriculum.“This gradual phase-in and phase-out of the curriculum is an internationally accepted approach, it allows learners to transition smoothly while ensuring consistency and quality in education delivery.” she saidMs Mando emphasised that the new curriculum places strong focus on practical learning, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling learners to go beyond memorization and actively engage with knowledge.“We want learners who can think outside the box, innovate, and become self-reliant citizens capable of creating jobs, not just seeking employment,” she said.Ms Mando reiterated that by 2028, Zambia will witness the final Grade Seven and Grade Twelve examinations under the old curriculum, alongside the first Grade Six and Form Four examinations under the new system.She encouraged the public to remain informed and supportive as the education sector continues to evolve.
She explained that the ministry has continued its phased implementation of the new curriculum, which began in 2025 with Early Childhood Education (ECE), Grade One, and Form One, these learners will now progress to ECE Level Two, Grade Two, and Form Two, while new entrants at ECE Level One, Grade One, and Form One will also join under the revised curriculum. “This gradual phase-in and phase-out of the curriculum is an internationally accepted approach, it allows learners to transition smoothly while ensuring consistency and quality in education delivery.” she saidMs Mando emphasised that the new curriculum places strong focus on practical learning, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling learners to go beyond memorization and actively engage with knowledge.“We want learners who can think outside the box, innovate, and become self-reliant citizens capable of creating jobs, not just seeking employment,” she said.Ms Mando reiterated that by 2028, Zambia will witness the final Grade Seven and Grade Twelve examinations under the old curriculum, alongside the first Grade Six and Form Four examinations under the new system.She encouraged the public to remain informed and supportive as the education sector continues to evolve. Ms Mando emphasised that the new curriculum places strong focus on practical learning, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling learners to go beyond memorization and actively engage with knowledge.
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“We want learners who can think outside the box, innovate, and become self-reliant citizens capable of creating jobs, not just seeking employment,” she said.Ms Mando reiterated that by 2028, Zambia will witness the final Grade Seven and Grade Twelve examinations under the old curriculum, alongside the first Grade Six and Form Four examinations under the new system.She encouraged the public to remain informed and supportive as the education sector continues to evolve. “We want learners who can think outside the box, innovate, and become self-reliant citizens capable of creating jobs, not just seeking employment,” she said. Ms Mando reiterated that by 2028, Zambia will witness the final Grade Seven and Grade Twelve examinations under the old curriculum, alongside the first Grade Six and Form Four examinations under the new system.She encouraged the public to remain informed and supportive as the education sector continues to evolve.
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