Private Observer

           Zambia Intensifies Efforts to Improve Youth and Adult Literacy Education

The Government of Zambia, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has intensified efforts to address persistent challenges in Youth and Adult Literacy Education (YALE), as the country grapples with a national adult literacy rate of 63%, according to the 2023 UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report.

The report highlights that limited access to education especially in rural areas declining enrolment numbers, shortages of qualified teachers, and lack of essential resources such as textbooks remain major barriers to improving literacy. These challenges are more severe among women, persons with disabilities, and those living in poverty.

Speaking on the issue, Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Executive Director George Hamusunga stressed the evolving nature of literacy, saying, “Literacy today is not just about reading and writing on paper. It is also about accessing, understanding, and safely using digital content.”

Mr. Hamusunga warned that without bridging the digital divide, Zambia risks excluding vulnerable populations from emerging educational and economic opportunities.

“Literacy in the digital era is a lifeline,” he said, adding that higher literacy levels empower individuals to thrive in the labour market, participate in civic life, and strengthen family and community well-being.

In response to these challenges, the Zambian government is implementing multiple initiatives: Free education policy (introduced in 2022): Covers early childhood to Grade 12, ensuring more children access basic education.

Constituency Development Fund (CDF): Used to construct classroom blocks across the country to address infrastructure gaps and increase enrolment capacity.

Catch-Up Literacy and Numeracy Programme: A landmark initiative launched in 2025 aimed at addressing foundational learning deficits. It builds on the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, which has benefited over 900,000 learners in more than 5,900 schools across nine provinces since its introduction in 2016.

According to Director of Early Childhood Education, Cham Kalimbika, the programme is “a milestone in our collective mission to improve education outcomes,” particularly in literacy and numeracy, which he called “critical enablers of lifelong learning.”

Beyond government interventions, organizations such as gold-youth are playing a vital role in enhancing literacy. Working through a peer education model, gold-youth employs Facilitator Interns who train Peer Educators to act as role models and change agents in their communities.

This grassroots approach is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education, and is focused on uplifting youth through mentorship, advocacy, and access to education. The model reinforces the idea that “the message giver is the strongest message.”

Despite progress, experts argue that significant gaps remain, particularly in adult literacy programmes. Mr. Hamusunga emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocation to YALE, citing inadequate numbers of trained instructors and insufficient learning materials as ongoing constraints.

He also noted that illiteracy limits participation in economic empowerment programmes like the CDF, particularly for rural women and vulnerable learners. “Knowing how to read and write is not just an educational necessity; it’s an economic imperative,” he said.

Education leaders continue to stress the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships to accelerate progress. Chibombo District Education Board Secretary, Franklins Musakula, noted that collaboration between government and stakeholders creates meaningful opportunities for national development.

With a focus on inclusive education, curriculum updates, expanded access, and the integration of digital literacy, Zambia is working to reshape the future of learning ensuring that no one is left behind.

Samuel Mbewe