The Impact of Free Education Policy on the Provision of Quality Education and access to tertiary education in Zambia. A Case of Selected Schools and Colleges of Livingstone District.

Abstract

In the quest to improve and increase access to education at both primary and secondary levels of education systems, the government of the republic of Zambia introduced the free education policy in 2022. Despite this progressive measure, there are a lot of challenges which need to be addressed to achieve the objectives of this policy. The purpose of the study was to investigate and establish the impact of free primary and secondary education on the provision of quality education and access to tertiary education in Zambia. The study used the survey design. The main research instruments were the interview guide, questionnaire and observation checklist. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. The findings of the study revealed that while access to education has improved in primary and secondary schools, the quality of education being provided is compromised. It was reported that enrolment levels increased in grade one and grade eight. However, due to the stoppage of PTA fees, which was the main source of schools’ income, many infrastructure projects have stalled. The study also revealed that due to inadequate funds, schools were unable to purchase the required teaching and learning materials thereby raising the pupil-material ratio. Another serious challenge reported by school administrators was the shortage of teachers to handle overwhelming numbers of pupils in classes.

Looking at the impact this free education policy has on higher education institutions, the study revealed that, enrolment levels have slightly improved in colleges as most parents are able to save money for college tuition due to school fees relief in secondary and primary schools. The study recommended that government should increase the termly grant for schools and should continue with recruitment of new teachers so as to normalize the teacher- pupil and material- pupil ratios respectively.

Key words: Free education, Quality education, School fees, Sustainable Development Goal 4