Since 2003, primary education has been free, but it is not compulsory
It is usual for learners to provide thier own uniforms, book and stationery. This can cost in excess of £50 a year, a major barrier for families living in poverty
The quality of education
Many teachers or are poorly trained for the demands of the classroom
Adult literacy rates have been falling, which means many parents are less able to support their child's learning
Schools lack funding for their buildings and equipment - the majority of schools don't have toilets or electricity and classrooms are often overcrowded
Even things that are taken for granted, such as paper, pencils and books are often sadly lacking
Fact File: primary education in Zambia
Enrolment of children in primary school has really improved, but there are still enormous challenges to overcome:
Running for class - pupils for a partner school in Zambia.
