THE Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) says enacting the educational bill into law is a step in the right direction towards achieving universal access to education Zambia.
ZANEC Chairperson Henry Kabwe says free education has opened opportunities on a lot of young people who where sidelined due to lack of capacity to pay for education.
Mr. Kabwe says the UPND free ducation policy is the best foundation to achieve the universal access to education for all. 
Mr. Kabwe says the implementation of free education, skills curriculum and school feeding programme is a game changer that will revertilise the education system of Zambia.
He was speaking the inaugural crown television news forum in Lusaka today.
He said free education has given relief to parents especially in rural areas.
Mr. Kabwe said education should not be a preserve of the rich but a right for every child.
“Education and skills training should not be a preserve of selected few rich but should be inclusive to all citizens.”
“Education is a right and children should not be segregated based on how well their parents are doing in society.”
Mr. Kabwe says education a key driver to development and biggest investment government has made.
He said the free education policy by the UPND will drive the country towards achieving universal access to education.
On June 4, 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema signed the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026 into law, permanently enshrining universal free education from early childhood to the secondary level.
This legally protects the free schooling policy first introduced in 2022 and ensures no child can be turned away from public schools due to an inability to pay fees.
And Mr. Kabwe says the universal free education law will require enforcement yo ensure all children is are in school.
He said the law should ensforced to ensure every child in school.
He says there is need to ensure education is not just free but it is compulsory.
He has also called for a robust system of birth registration to ensure serious compliance with the law.
He says educated society is critical to contributing to the economy, taxes
Meanwhile Zambia Congress Trade Unions (ZCTU) Youth Chairperson Ezra Zulu says free education creates a strong foundation base for quality labour force.
Mr. Zulu says the UPND educational inclusive reforms will create a bright future for Zambian youths.
He added that the free educatio law was not meant for president Hakainde Hichilema but all Zambians now and in future.
Mr. Zulu explained that free education world over had proven to be a game changer and benefitted the larger population of any country, reiterating that many Zambians needed to support it.
