National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) says it is not surprised by ongoing revelations of serious abuse of free education grants within the Ministry of Education.
NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa says in July of 2023, the organization raised alarm regarding this abuse.
Chansa says despite efforts, the expensive and excessive workshops organised by senior officials within the Ministry persisted, a red flag that was unfortunately ignored.
He says while it is commendable for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to initiate an audit on the use of school grants, it is necessary to clarify that Head Teachers are partly but not entirely to blame for the misuse of funds.
Chansa alleges that they are often summoned by higher authorities such as the Permanent Secretary, Provincial Education Officers, or District Education Board Secretaries, and compelled to contribute to suspicious activities either verbally or in writing.
He notes that merely issuing warnings and empty threats to those found guilty of misappropriating funds is insufficient as disciplinary action must be taken to deter such misconduct.
Chansa adds that it is disheartening that over K356 million released to schools has been misused, wasteful precious resources that could have greatly benefited the education system.