The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, has implored education staff to efficiently utilise funds for quality education.

Nghipondoka was speaking at the finalisation and validation of annual work plans for the financial year 2024–25.

Reflecting on the previous year, Nghipondoka highlighted the importance of efficiency in implementing programmes despite an 85% performance improvement.

The minister says that when schools are allocated funds for UPEs, stationaries, and the execution of duties, they should be used efficiently. 

There are still some schools experiencing a shortage of stationaries while more teachers are required.

Education staff, including regional directors, are meeting for a workshop for strategic planning that would bridge gaps within the ministry, guide the team in measuring and reviewing their quarterly undertakings, and continuously improve on their duties and performances.

Ensuring digital transformation, improving numeracy and literacy skills, reducing repetition and dropout rates, and stopping the promotion of learners who fail were highlighted.

Nghipondoka also advised that the strategic plan aligns with the National Conference on Education Resolutions implementation plan approved by the cabinet, which is to run for seven years. 

Critical areas identified for improvement include the re-engineering of the National Examination Data Management System, while interventions such as reviving the Ethics and Integrity Management Committee by appointing new members are required.