PRESS STATEMENT
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION WARNS SCHOOLS AGAINST ILLEGAL COLLECTIONS UNDER THE FREE EDUCATION POLICY
The Ministry of Education has received reports that some schools are requesting parents to make financial contributions towards the School Feeding Programme through Parent-Teacher Committees (PTCs), and others are charging for graduation ceremonies in primary and secondary schools.
The Ministry wishes to categorically state that these practices are illegal, unjustified, and contrary to the spirit and letter of the Free Education Policy as pronounced by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema.
Free education removes financial barriers for learners. Any attempt to compel parents to pay for feeding or graduation activities undermines this policy and places unnecessary burdens on families—especially those in vulnerable communities.
Government has made significant investments in the Home-Grown School Meals Programme, now reaching more than 4 million learners. Schools are therefore not permitted to demand or collect any money from parents or guardians in the name of feeding or related programmes.
The Ministry is issuing a strong warning to all schools and administrators engaged in such practices to desist immediately. Failure to comply will attract disciplinary action in accordance with the Education
Act and the Public Service Code of Conduct.
Parents and guardians are equally advised not to allow themselves to be coerced into contributing funds for feeding or graduation ceremonies. The Ministry remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Free Education Policy and ensuring that no child is denied learning opportunities due to unlawful charges. Free means free.
Issued by:
Dr. Kelvin Mambwe
Permanent Secretary (Educational Services)
