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The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has expressed concern over the reported delay in the disbursement of school grants for the first quarter of 2026.
NAQEZ Executive Director, Dr. Aaron Chansa, said the education sector had reasonably expected the funds to be released in advance or at least by the time schools reopened on January 12, to enable institutions to adequately prepare for the effective commencement of term one .
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Chansa revealed that all public schools were still awaiting the required operational funds as of January 14, 2026.
“NAQEZ has consequently received reports of challenges and disorganisation in some schools arising from the absence of these grants,” he said.
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He emphasised that the timely release of school grants was not merely an administrative formality but a critical enabler of effective school management, learner welfare, and quality education delivery.
Delays, he warned, undermined planning, disrupted learning processes, and placed unnecessary pressure on school administrators.
“In this regard, NAQEZ calls upon the Ministry of Finance, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to urgently address the delay and ensure that funds are released to all public schools without further postponement,” Chansa stated.
He added that in the last three years, the Treasury had generally demonstrated consistency in meeting this obligation, making the current delay particularly concerning, especially in the absence of official communication to schools.
Chansa reiterated NAQEZ’s commitment to constructive engagement with the government and all stakeholders in the education sector.
“NAQEZ urges improved predictability, transparency and timeliness in education financing in order to safeguard the right of every learner to quality education,” he said.
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