Inclusive Early Childhood Education in Zambia:A Call for Policy Action

Early childhood education is thought to be foundational for the development of human capital and offers a window of opportunity for accelerated brain development. Zambia has made advancements in enhancing access to quality ECE. However, current initiatives have also shown inequitable access especially for children with disabilities. The effectiveness of a comprehensive inclusive early childhood education agenda has been explored in this paper as a compelling case for promoting equitable access for all qualified children. The major objective of the educational system is to serve as a social integration institution, and inclusive education is frequently considered as the path to achieving this objective. The paper is premised on the argument that the early years are crucial for inclusion because this is the period when the foundation for lifetime learning and the development of core values and attitudes is laid. Conversely, learning and developmental inequalities first manifest themselves in a child's early years, prior to their entry into primary school. It is simply too late to start talking about inclusion when children are already in primary school. Keywords:Early Childhood Education, Inclusive early childhood education, Rights-Based Approach, policy, legislation DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-36-06 Publication date: December 31st 202

Inclusive Early Childhood Education in Zambia: A Call for Policy Action

Early childhood education is thought to be foundational for the development of human capital and offers a window of opportunity for accelerated brain development. Zambia has made advancements in enhancing access to quality ECE. However, current initiatives have also shown inequitable access especially for children with disabilities. The effectiveness of a comprehensive inclusive early childhood education agenda has been explored in this paper as a compelling case for promoting equitable access for all qualified children. The major objective of the educational system is to serve as a social integration institution, and inclusive education is frequently considered as the path to achieving this objective. The paper is premised on the argument that the early years are crucial for inclusion because this is the period when the foundation for lifetime learning and the development of core values and attitudes is laid. Conversely, learning and developmental inequalities first manifest themselves in a child's early years, prior to their entry into primary school. It is simply too late to start talking about inclusion when children are already in primary school. Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Inclusive early childhood education, Rights-Based Approach, policy, legislation DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-31-10 Publication date: November 30th 202

EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ZAMBIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESPONSIVENESS OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak posed serious concerns to global education systems and socio-economic activities. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a global emergency in many sectors including education resulting in school closures. This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on Zambia's education sector and its response to the pandemic. Using qualitative approaches, data was collected from key stakeholders in the education sector. The study found that Zambia's education sector response has stimulated the development of innovative teaching and learning strategies, highlighting the need for strategic planning, teacher preparedness, and designing contingency response parameters on education in emergencies.  Article visualizations

PLAY BASED LEARNING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) CENTRES IN ZAMBIA: A TEACHER PERSPECTIVE

The study sought to explore the nature of play-based teaching and learning at Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centres in Zambia from the perspective of teachers. A case study design was employed with a qualitative approach to collect data from participants. Data was coded and grouped according to emerging themes. Results indicate that children were engaged in both conventional and indigenous play activities mainly through free play. Teachers demonstrated a positive perspective of play based learning, asserting that play based pedagogy benefits children holistically. Implementation of play varied across ECE Centres with some teachers integrating play in the delivery of lessons and others engaged children in play activities only during the time allocated for play time on the timetable. Notable challenges faced by teachers were lack of age appropriate play infrastructure that supported learning, lack of implementation guidelines, and curriculum overload. The study has recommended the need for the Ministry of General Education to put in place guidelines on play based teaching and learning in ECE. Article visualizations

The Nature of Counselling Offered to Sexually Abused Children in Selected Victim Support Units in Lusaka District,Zambia

M.EDThe problem for this study emerged from the fact that little was known on the nature of counselling offered to sexually abused children in Victim Support Units. The study therefore, focused on four objectives namely: to investigate the nature of counselling services offered to sexually abused children, explore the level of training in counselling of VSU officers, determine the benefits of counselling to sexually abused children and, to investigate the challenges faced in the provision of counselling. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A case study design was employed. Data was collected using: interviews, focused group discussion, questionnaire and non- participant observations. The sample comprised of 100 participants: 8 were VSU supervisors, 30 VSU counselors who were purposively selected, 31 sexually abused children and 31 parents/care givers who were selected and traced using purposive as well as snow ball sampling. The findings of this study elucidated that, in spite of VSU being given the mandate to provide counselling to sexually abused children, majority of sexually abused children did not receive counselling. The level of professional training in counselling of VSU officers was found to be inadequate, majority (24) of VSU counsellors had only certificates of attendance which were awarded to them after attending workshops. Furthermore, the study revealed that all categories of respondents were facing various challenges which included unsuitable and inadequate rooms for counselling, children being counselled in the presence of other people, fear of the police by children and lack of trust in the police by some parents/care givers. The study recommended that, the Zambia Police through VSU should implement the following: child counselling training to be provided to all VSU officers, increased access to counselling facilities and psycho-social services for children, strengthening of community sensitization programmes on CSA and enhanced partnership with key stake holders in CSA to increase accessibility of various services

Exploring child abuse and protection interventions amidst public health emergency in Lusaka district, Zambia.

Thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Education Psychology.The study explored child abuse risks and protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lusaka District, Zambia. It employed Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological model and a mixed-methods approach. An exploratory sequential research design was adopted for the current study. Data were collected from a total of 193 respondents and comprised 92 child protection Service Providers, 54 parents or caregivers and 47 children.Questionnaire and interview guide and were used to collect data. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify codes and common themes. The data were coded into categories which included Service Providers (SP), parents (P), children (C), and focus group discussions (FGD). While quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate frequencies, percentages and one-way ANOVA tests to assess significance. Multiple regression and T-test were also used to test the hypothesis as well as Pearson correlation. Key findings indicated a significant decrease in reported child abuse cases during the pandemic (t-value = -7.315, p = .006). Child neglect and sexual abuse were prevalent, emphasising girls’ vulnerability. Child protection services played a crucial role but 48 per cent of providers reported unpreparedness for emergencies. Child risk factors included age (46.1%), community substance abuse (45%), and parental absence (40%). Child neglect was high during COVID-19 (45% and 43% in 2020 and 2021), followed by sexual abuse (32% and 30%). Re-integration showed a cyclic pattern, with differing perceptions among Service Providers, parents, and children. Recommendations included integrating child protection in emergency planning, investing in online services, collaborating with community organisations, implementing a national multi sectoral approach, and providing mandatory counseling for abused children

BREAKING THE SILENCE: A DICHOTOMY PREVALENCE AND PROTECTION CHALLENGES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ZAMBIA

This analysis, titled "Breaking the Silence: A Dichotomy of Child Sexual Abuse Prevalence and Protection Challenges in Zambia," examines the trends and challenges associated with child sexual abuse in Zambia from 2017 to 2023. The study aims to explore the prevalence of child sexual abuse over the specified period and evaluate the effectiveness of Zambia's legal framework in protecting children from such abuse. Utilising a qualitative research design, the methodology involved document analysis of Zambia Police Victim Support Unit reports and an assessment of the legal framework. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS to identify trends and differences across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, while qualitative content analysis was used to examine the legal context. The findings reveal fluctuating abuse rates, with notable increases in 2019 and persistently high levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender disparities were observed, with girls disproportionately affected. The study highlights significant gaps in the legal framework, including inadequate protection for older adolescents and limited statutory definitions of abuse. Challenges such as cultural taboos, socio-economic issues, and legal inefficiencies continue to hinder effective child protection. The analysis stresses the need for enhanced reporting mechanisms and legal reforms to safeguard children better and address the complexities of child sexual abuse in Zambia.  Article visualizations

SHADOWS OF THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC: A STUDY OF PERCEIVED CHILD RISK FACTORS PREDISPOSING CHILD ABUSE DURING THE COVID-19 IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

The study sought to examine the perceived risk factors contributing to child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia. A mixed-method approach supported by a concurrent triangulation research design was used in the study. The sample was 107; involving 92 service providers and 15 parents/caregivers. The participants were selected using expert and homogeneous purposive sampling approaches. A questionnaire involving closed and open-ended questions was employed in the collection of data. In quantitative analysis, the study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to arrive at primary descriptive statistics and inferential test results. Qualitative data was analysed using a thematic approach. Documentary data analysis was used to arrive at secondary data to supplement primary data. The study revealed that despite a decrease in reported child abuse cases during the pandemic, various risk factors persisted such as: age of the child, gender of the child, lack of parent-child attachment, physical or developmental disabilities, gender disparities, and increasing child vulnerability. It was evident from the study that, pandemic-related child protection services needed targeted strategies that addressed individual, familial, and societal factors, with a focus on prevention, intervention, and support measures to safeguard children. The study, therefore, emphasizes the need for comprehensive child protection interventions, including the creation of safe spaces, community awareness programmes, food security, mental health support, and fast-track court services.  Article visualizations

SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATION PERFORMANCE: A QUALITATIVE REVIEW OF SELECTED STUDIES IN SUB-SAHARA

This systematic literature review explores the relationship between leadership and organizational performance in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on qualitative insights drawn from selected studies. The review addresses four key research questions: (1) What leadership styles and approaches are most influential in driving organizational performance in the region? (2) What challenges and opportunities are prevalent in the leadership landscape and their influence on organizational outcomes? The findings indicate that transformational and participative leadership styles are prominently associated with positive organizational performance across diverse sectors. However, the review also highlights significant challenges, such as contextual constraints, resource limitations, and socio-cultural dynamics that impact leadership effectiveness. Opportunities for improvement are linked to adopting adaptive leadership approaches and enhancing leadership development initiatives. The review concludes by identifying critical research gaps, particularly the need for empirical studies focusing on sector-specific leadership models and their impact on long-term organizational sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Article visualizations

The burrow structure, colony composition and reproductive biology of the giant mole-rat (Fukomys mechowii) Peters 1881 from the Copperbelt of Zambia

African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) are subterranean hystricomorph rodents offering an excellent system with which to test theories relating to the evolution and maintenance of sociality in mammals. The aridity food distribution hypothesis (AFDH) suggests that, within the bathyergids, sociality has evolved in response to patterns of rainfall, its effects on food distribution, and the subsequent costs and risks of foraging and dispersal. Here, in the first detailed study of burrow architecture in a social mole-rat species, with data from 32 burrows, we show that in the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii, burrow fractal dimension increases with colony size and is higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. The mass of food in the burrow increases with fractal dimension and is higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. These results link for the first time colony size, burrow architecture, rainfall and foraging success and provide support for two assumptions of the AFDH, namely that (1) in arid conditions burrowing may be severely constrained by the high costs of digging; and (2) the potential risks of failing to locate food may be mitigated by increases in colony size. It was also fundamental in this study to assess whether the Fukomys mechowii is (1) An aseasonal or seasonal breeder (2) To investigate whether non-reproductive female giant mole-rats exhibit induced or spontaneous ovulation and finally (3) To estimate the age variation and sexual dimorphism of this little studied giant mole-rat species. Thus in a field study that involved the complete excavation of 32 burrow systems with a mean colony size of 9.9 individuals (range 7-16), it was evident that Fukomys mechowii is a cooperatively breeding mole-rat exhibiting a reproductive division of labour in which usually one, or occasionally two, females are responsible for procreation. Pregnant reproductive females were found throughout the study period (September 2005 until June 2006), supporting preliminary evidence that reproduction occurs throughout the year. Of the 32 colonies sampled, 14 of 18 (87.5%) in which the reproductive female could be identified as pregnant contained a single reproductive female, while four (12.5%) had two females breeding simultaneously (plural breeding). The population sex ratio was skewed towards females at 1:1.46. Autopsy of pregnant reproductive females (n=18) revealed that the production of two (10/18 pregnancies) or three (7/18) offspring was the norm, with one case of four embryos being present. These new data increase our fragmentary knowledge of the natural history of this little studied species. Six non-reproductive females were removed from their natal colonies and housed individually without a male for a period of 12 weeks as a control group. They were then subsequently housed for a further 6 weeks as experiment 1, on their own before being allowed non-physical contact in experiment 2, with a mature adult male for a further 6 weeks. The non-reproductive females were given a further period of isolation for a month prior to being physically paired with vasectomized males, in experiment 3. Urine was collected every second day for all three experiments and urinary progesterone profiles were generated. The progesterone values measured during the first part of Experiment 2 and 3 were markedly higher than those measured during the first part of Experiment 1 (Z= -2.201, p=0.028 for both comparisons), however, this was not significant after Bonferroni correction. Similarly progesterone values tended to be elevated during the second phase of Experiment 2 and 3 but not significantly so (Experiment 1 vs. 2: Z=-1.782, p=0.075, Experiment 1 vs. 3: Z=-2.201, p=0.028). Thus, chemical or physical stimulation by a male does not appear to be necessary for ovulation in female giant mole-rats. The giant mole-rat is a spontaneous ovulator. Due to difficulties in estimating absolute age in mammals, different methods for its estimation have been proposed, and among these, the degree of molar eruption and wear are considered to be one of the most reliable indicators of relative age. Consequently, maxillary molar tooth-row eruption and wear were used to assign individuals of the giant mole-rat, Fukomys mechowii (Peters, 1881) from two geographically proximal and ecologically similar localities in the Copper-belt Province of Zambia to 9 relative age classes. These were in turn used to assess the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism and age variation in this little-studied social mole-rat based on cranial morphometric data, reference to body mass and a series of both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed morphological differences between individuals of age classes 1–3 and those of age classes 5–9, while individuals of age class 4 were intermediate between these age class groupings, suggesting that this age class lies at a point on a hypothetical growth curve where it begins to stabilize. The analysis of the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism revealed its absence in the younger individuals of age classes 1–4 and its presence in older age classes 5–9. These results may allow an insight into our understanding of the population social structure, and reproductive strategies in the giant mole-rat. In conclusion, it is worth mentioning that; (1) A number of studies have examined burrow architecture, although not necessarily fractal dimensions in the Bathyergidae but the majority of these have concentrated on solitary species in which when there is plural occupancy it is during the breeding season or when the mother has a litter. This study is thus the first to examine in detail the dynamic nature of social mole-rat burrows, with respect to seasonal changes. The burrow fractal dimension is a good indication of the mole-rats ability to burrow to find food and thus results support the critical assumption which underlies the aridity food distribution hypothesis. The results accord well with previous data in social mole-rats indicating that larger colonies have greater survival and link colony size, burrow architecture and foraging success for the first time; (2) the giant mole-rat is an aseasonal breeder which in a few instances can have two queens per colony; (3) the giant mole-rat is a spontaneous ovulator and finally (4) the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii exhibits a sexual dimorphism amongst its older age classes 5-9. Suggesting that there are different growth curves in males versus females, whereby males attain much larger size (skull size and body mass) than females after puberty and finally intimating that opportunistic mating competition among males is very high.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011.Zoology and EntomologyUnrestricte