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Poor reading skills affecting performance of learners, says Phiri

Poor reading skills affecting performance of learners, says Phiri
By Henry Sinyangwe, Simeon Gboun, Kondwani Munyeka and Mukosha
Thu 14 June 2012, 13:24 CAT

EDUCATION minister Dr John Phiri says the low performance levels of learners across the country is alarming and needs urgent attention.

Speaking during the joint annual review meeting for the education sector stakeholders dubbed 'Understanding quality for improved learner performance' in Lusaka on Tuesday, Dr Phiri (right) said one of the critical challenges the country faces was the poor reading skills among learners.

"Children in early grades are lagging behind in terms of reading. This problem persists in both urban and rural areas. It is sad that some children in the early grades fail to even write their names and that of their school," Dr Phiri said.

He said education was the hub and driver of every nation's developmental agenda hence should be taken seriously.

"Education should be deemed as a means for enhancing the well-being and quality of life for the entire society. Therefore, the government will seek to create, promote and support the conditions within which quality education, reflected through learner performance, can realise its potential in society," Dr Phiri said.

He said his ministry had developed the National Implementation Framework (NIF III) in order to implement the programmes in the education and skills development sector.

Dr Phiri said the government had made strides in expanding the provision of access to education at all levels.

"However, these efforts have not really translated into improved quality of education delivery in terms of learning achievements and I implore this august house to deliberate on these reasons why, as I do not want to influence your discussions," he said.

And Ireland's Ambassador to Zambia, Tony Cotter welcomed the government's commitment to increased support to the education sector in recognition of its significance in national development.

He said it was saddening that the quality of education children were currently receiving did not sufficiently prepare them for life outside school.

''Far too many children are progressing through the education system with little competency in literacy and numeracy. This severely limits their performance throughout the education cycle and affects them up to college and university," said Ambassador Cotter.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Microsoft have signed a 1-year Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to improve access to ICT for improved teaching and learning in Zambian schools.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at Bauleni Basic School, Microsoft regional commercial director East and Southern Africa, Vincent Wagoneka, said high-quality education was a fundamental component of the social and economic prosperity of any community.

Through this partnership both organisations will seek to improve adoption and use of technology in schools as a teaching and learning tool.

"Technology is now becoming a driving force behind numerous aspects of national development and hence the need for governments to embrace it," Wagoneka said.

He said computer skills were a basic requirement in almost all careers hence the need to modernise classrooms and inspire teachers as well as students to use ICT.

Wagoneka said Microsoft was creating partnerships worldwide across the public and private sectors to build innovative educational experiences that removed limitations and create opportunities for pupils and teachers.

And Dr Phiri said the power of technology, software and partnerships combined with great teaching and learning could be instrumental in creating innovative schools in Zambia.

He said his ministry would seek to use development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the delivery of education and training.

And ZICTA director general Margaret Chalwe said the MOU was part of the ongoing establishment of the computer laboratories countrywide in all schools.

"We supply schools with computers, printers, projectors and also offer training to the teachers and administration staff as well as internet connectivity to ensure that schools are not left behind," she said.

Labels: EDUCATION, JOHN PHIRI

posted by MrK @ 4:05 PM