Education in Zambia

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The interior of a rural Zambian primary school
The interior of a rural Zambian primary school

Lower education in Zambia is divided into three levels; primary, junior secondary and upper secondary. Higher education is very limited, and centred on the five (5) universities of Zambia; University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Zambia Open University, Cavendish University and Northrise University.

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[edit] Lower Education

Schooling usually falls into three levels:

  • Primary, grades one to seven
  • Junior Secondary, grades eight and nine
  • Upper Secondary, grades ten to twelve

So-called "basic schools" teach years one to nine, as year nine is considered to be a decent level of schooling for the majority of children. However, schooling is only free up to year seven and most children drop out then.

Both government and private schools exist in Zambia. The private school system began largely as a result of Christian mission efforts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most famous private schools is the Roman Catholic run St Mary's Seminary located in Eastern Province. Private schools operate under either the British or American way of schooling.

[edit] Higher education

Educational opportunities beyond high school are rather limited in Zambia. There are few schools offering higher education and most Zambians cannot afford the fees. The University of Zambia is the primary institution of higher learning.

Several teacher training colleges offer two-year programmes beyond high school, and there are several Christian schools which offer seminary-level training.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] Universities