Zambia is a peaceful country that has never experienced civil strife, war or a military coup since gaining independence in 1964. Nonetheless, it is one of the most highly indebted countries today, owing almost $8 billion to its creditors. Many of its people make their living as subsistence farmers. The inherent insecurities of subsistence farming (in particular due to repeated droughts and cattle diseases) and the burden of human diseases, especially the HIV/AIDS pandemic, add further challenges. Because of this, the Zambian education system has been struggling for years with a shortfall of funds which has led to a deteriorating educational infrastructure and a shortage of teachers and supplies. Frustrated with inefficient bureaucracy, many teachers have resorted to strikes to demand adequate salaries - or at least punctual payments.

As mentioned, the AIDS epidemic has further compounded the problems. Teachers fall ill, are needed to take care of sick relatives in far-away provinces, and have to help their pupils deal with crises at home. As a result, the students' education suffers.

Zambian children should start grade 1 at the age of 6 or 7, but often do not enter school until they are 9, partially because of the financial burden (school fees and lost labor at home) on the family and partially because of the overcrowding of primary schools.

The Zambian school year has three terms: January to April, May to August, and September to December. Kids are taught in their local language for the first two years of their schooling. From grade 3 onward, all subjects - except the local language class - are to be taught in English. This policy was adopted to ease communication among the people of Zambia where 73 different languages are spoken.

Children usually attend the local Primary School until grade 7. At the end of grade 7, all students are required to take a set of national exams (given in English). Students who do exceptionally well on these exams are admitted directly into grade 8 at a Secondary School. Those who pass with lower marks are admitted to Basic Schools for grades 8 and 9, which are cheaper but do not offer the same access to labs and other equipment. Secondary Schools teach grades 8 through 12. They are typically boarding schools, since they are often at considerable distances from the villages of their students. At the end of grade 9, a second set of national exams determines whether students are allowed to continue into grade 10. A final set of exams is given at the end of grade 12. A passing grade is necessary to qualify for a university or college.

Unfortunately, even if students pass the necessary exam, most cannot afford the fees for secondary school which add up to around US$370, nearly the average yearly income of a Zambian family. Eliminating this financial obstacle, one of the central aims of Deep Roots, will open the opportunity to continue their education to many of the most promising students.

Fortunately, the current Zambian government, in power since 2002, has made education reform one of its priorities. In early 2003, the government abolished all primary school fees. Nonetheless the cost of uniforms, if required, and notebooks and pens are often an unaffordable burden on cash-strapped families. Simultaneously, basic schools (grades 8 and 9), which are usually attached to primary schools, have almost doubled their fees, erecting a new obstacle for those wanting to continue their education past grade 7. Only 69% of all children in Zambia aged 7-12 are enrolled in school . In Monze East (one of the areas where DRZambia is currently sponsoring children) only about 50% of school-aged children are attending school.

However, the situation is improving. Organizations such as Deep Roots are developing programs at the ground level to help individual students, especially girls and young women. In 1999 the World Bank approved a $40 million credit to support basic education in Zambia. With help from supporters like you, we can ensure that more and more children have access to this basic human right.

More on Education in Zambia:
University of Zambia
USAID/Zambia