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The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing an inclusive, equitable education system and innovative technology solutions which also cater for the needs of children with special needs in the country.
Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, also noted the need to implement a bottom up approach in the development of the school curriculum for children with special needs who have a lot to offer to the country in terms of innovation.
Mutati said this in Lusaka on Saturday when he received a fully equipped ICT lab, 20 computers from Ecobank, and 256 school bags, 256 hard cover notes 2,200 ball pens and pencils from Harvest Foundation on behalf of the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Special School.
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The event was held at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Special School to also mark Ecobank Day 2025 under the theme: “Enabling inclusive learning for all.”
“When we are developing their curriculum let’s visit schools like this to engage the children and teachers on their needs so that we can also learn something. This is a bottom up approach which we must embrace,” Mutati said.
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services, Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, noted the need of equipping teachers and learners with Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) skills to enhance education.
Mambwe emphasized the one government approach and partnership between ministries, private sector, and communities and providing special needs learners with access to modern ICT tools and digital skills.
“I wish to appreciate Ecobank and Harvest Foundation for their contribution to promoting inclusive education through technology integration and to also recognize their role in advancing digital learning,” he said.
Ecobank Board Chairperson, Joseph Chikolwa, highlighted that over the past three years, the bank had made significant strides in advancing education, from rehabilitating ICT Labs and donating digital devices, to mentoring students.
Chikolwa stated that the theme for Ecobank Day 2025, “enabling inclusive learning for all” was a heartfelt call to action.
“Too often, children with disabilities or learning challenges are left behind, not because they lack ability, but because society has not adapted to their needs. This year, we are changing the narrative,” he said.
Chikolwa said the bank was breaking the barriers faced by the children with special needs using emerging technologies, especially assistive tools and artificial intelligence.
Similary, Head Corporate Communications, Harvest Group of Companies Limited, Sam Ibemere, assured of the Foundation’s commitment to deepening the relationship with EcoBank and other stakeholders in impacting the lives of children and other vulnerable members of society.
“Through Harvest Foundation, we have continually ensured that our environment and communities are impacted, focusing especially on children, youths, women and other vulnerable members of the society,” Ibemere said.
He noted that though the future belonged to all, there was need to empower special children to own it, and that there was no better way to invest in them than by supporting their education.
In a vote of thanks, Chileleko Habeenzu, a beneficiary and pupil of UTH Special School appealed to other stakeholders to emulate Ecobank and Harvest Foundation in uplifting the welfare of the Children with special needs.
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