August 2005 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: JCTR asks: Why Have we not Realised the Value of Education and Health all the Time?
Abstract
The JCTR monthly Basic Needs Basket provides an independent and evidence based view of what is happening in people’s living conditions. “The relationship,” says Muweme, “between the cost of basic needs and people’s incomes shows to what extent organisations in particular and Zambia in general is either promoting social exclusion or promoting societal integration and people’s effective participation in national development.” It is in such a context that the JCTR strongly endorses the view of President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC when he mentioned during the Press Conference of 03 August 2005 that “plans for education and health be developed within sixty days with the participation of trade unions.” But our education should be more than passing examinations, it should train the mind, encourage good character and should be original. But above all, there is need to ensure that education and health are reflected in our new Constitution in the Bill of Rights as a basic human right.
Description
JCTR is pleased that the Draft Constitution reflects the Bill of Rights and it is hoped that this will remain as such in the final Constitution. That way, government will be obliged to make clear efforts to meet the needs of quality education and health and it will also ensure accountability and transparency by the government in its preparation of the National Budget and the distribution of national resources. In addition to primary education being free in the truest sense, there is need to make primary level education compulsory.