Prior to 2021, school fees had become an insurmountable burden for many parents with limited means, making it difficult to finance their children’s education.
The free education policy was a critical issue inherited by the United Party for National Development (UPND) when it assumed office in August 2021.
To address what had become a ticking time bomb threatening to deepen social inequality and an uneducated generation, the UPND-led New Dawn Government took a bold step. The government invested heavily in providing free education from early childhood to secondary school levels, aiming to safeguard the future of Zambia’s human capital. 
The free education policy has not only reduced the financial burden on parents and guardians, but it has also significantly increased enrollment numbers for both girls and boys in primary and secondary schools education, as the nation strives to deliver quality education for all.
Statistics show that over two million children have been enrolled in schools across the country since the policy was introduced, a remarkable achievement compared to the era of the previous Patriotic Front (PF) administration.
Families who once struggled to pay school fees under the PF government can now send their children to school at no cost, thanks to the UPND government.
The UPND government has made education universally accessible rather than a privilege for the rich.
Take the story of Susan, a young girl from Kalibwe Village in Mwese District, who, after her mother passed away, was left in the care of her elderly grandmother. The grandmother could not afford to pay school fees. Susan dropped out in the third grade in 2019. But with the introduction of free education, she was given a second chance.
Susan expresses heartfelt gratitude to the UPND government, which she says has shown genuine care for the vulnerable who previously could not afford education.
“I really thank President Hakainde Hichilema and his government. What they’ve done is commendable. Who would have thought someone like me would be back in school?” she said.
Susan, who dreams of becoming an accountant, recalled how her ailing grandmother was unable to finance her education at the time she dropped out of school. “Thankfully, the UPND government came through, and I have continued with my education until I achieve my dream,” she said.
Susan added that many girls who had previously fallen victim to teenage pregnancy and early marriages due to lack of school sponsorship are now going back to school because of the free education policy.
Traditional rulers have also rallied behind the New Dawn Government, applauding its bold decision to provide free education. Some Chiefs are personally visiting villages to encourage parents and guardians to enrol their children in school, emphasizing that education is now free.
Chief Chanje of the Chewa people in Chipangali District, Eastern Province, praised the UPND government for the free education initiative. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting education, especially now that it’s accessible to all.
“There’s been a reduction in teenage pregnancies compared to 2021, thanks to our awareness efforts,” said the chief, who also serves as a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) patron.
According to the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 advocates for inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The UPND Government recognizes the vital role of education and has prioritized it through significant teacher recruitment efforts—more than 35,000 teachers have been employed and deployed to underserved areas in the past four years.
This ongoing recruitment reflects the Government’s commitment to achieving a desirable teacher-pupil ratio, a critical factor in delivering quality education by 2030.
Henry Kabwe, Chairperson of the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC), commended the free education policy, noting that it aims to ensure quality education across both rural and urban schools.
“We must appreciate that free education has enhanced access to schooling, and although debates on quality have emerged, progress is being made,” Kabwe said.
He also pointed to the introduction of a new curriculum aimed at expanding learning opportunities. Kabwe encouraged the government to continue investing in school infrastructure and teacher recruitment—particularly at early childhood and adult education levels—to address disparities between primary and secondary education access.
“Education without adequate infrastructure is a non-starter,” he emphasized.
In response, the UPND government is constructing new schools and renovating old ones to create a more conducive learning environment. Local constituencies are using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to build and upgrade classrooms, enhancing comfort and access to quality education.
By removing financial barriers, the government believes free education will reduce illiteracy rates and open doors for families with limited resources. Ultimately, the goal is to build a more educated and skilled society.
