Our Story in Zambia

 

In Zambia, learning outcomes in primary education are low, especially in reading and mathematics. Learners’ underperformance is partly due to a lack of understanding among teachers of how children develop literacy and numeracy skills and how to diversify instruction based on children's learning needs. Poor school performance is also due to a lack of school readiness. To better prepare young learners for success in primary school, Zambia recently introduced an early childhood education (ECE) curriculum. However, as many teachers are not sufficiently trained in play-based early childhood pedagogies, the quality of ECE provided is not sufficient. 

 

Our first signature programmes began in the early 2000 when we started to position technical assistants in various roles to the Ministry of Education (MoE) based on agreed upon programmes. Notably VVOB supported MoE to improve initial teacher education in instructional strategies, in planning for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of lecturers, in the use of ICT for education and in supporting Colleges of Education to roll out quality Early Education Programmes. At In-service, VVOB also supported the Teacher Resource Centers at Provincial, District and Zone level by building their skills in carrying out CPDs for teachers, supporting their use of ICT for their work and improving their support to newly trained teachers, especially those working in ECE. VVOB is currently supporting MoE in building the skills of teachers to offer quality Early Childhood Education as well as building the skills of teachers to offer the evidence based remedial education programme, Teaching at the Right Level.