King Lubi Classics

Life's essence is defined not by circumstance, but by the choices we make, and like the distinct flavors of salt and sugar, its inherent quality persists; what shifts is our perspective and approach. Every moment holds potential for triumph and adversity, regardless of age or situation. Ultimately, our responses shape our path, empowering us to seize opportunities and forge our own future.

In pursuit of success, individuals often face uncertainty regarding the foundation required to achieve their goals. A particularly challenging aspect of this journey can be discovering that not all individuals within one's network provide genuine support. While it is natural to assume that those closest to you are invested in your progress, some individuals may superficially engage with you to gain proximity and ultimately undermine your endeavors. Therefore, it is essential to exercise discernment when determining whom to trust and to maintain a level of privacy regarding personal matters, as it is clear that not all parties have benevolent intentions.

Having a disability does not inherently make an individual unique; rather, it is their capacity to accomplish tasks comparably to others, yet with exceptional proficiency, that sets them apart. Therefore, do not be disheartened if others refer to you as a special child. Ultimately, a disability is not equivalent to an inability.

In Zambia, persons with disabilities predominantly reside in extreme poverty, irrespective of the equal split between those who are educated and those who are not. Historically, the lack of advocacy for inclusive education has led to limited educational opportunities, particularly for individuals who are blind or have other disabilities. However, the current administration has made significant strides in promoting quality education for persons with disabilities. Given the persistent poverty, it is imperative for the government to reassess the social cash transfer program. Considering the high cost of living, increasing the monthly stipend from 1200 to 4000 kwacha per person with a disability is a reasonable measure. As the government emphasizes its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, it is essential to translate these words into tangible actions. Given the minority status of persons with disabilities in Zambia, allocating 4000 kwacha monthly would be a feasible step towards mitigating the economic hardship faced by this demographic.

The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia are commended for implementing short-term solutions to enhance the local currency's value against foreign currencies. However, as a development and economic policy specialist, it is crucial to acknowledge that this temporary stability may not persist beyond the current quarter or after the national elections in 2026. Our economy's reliance on a single commodity, copper, which is currently performing well internationally, poses a significant risk due to its historically volatile prices. A potential decline in copper prices could adversely impact our local currency. Furthermore, as a mono-economy, the appreciation of our currency may lead to increased imports, ultimately boosting foreign currencies and causing an imbalance in foreign trade, making the local currency's value unsustainable without economic protection.

I am unconvinced that privatizing our natural resources has been or will be beneficial to our nation. It is disheartening to witness many Zambians celebrating the recent surge in copper prices, mistakenly believing that the country will reap substantial benefits. The stark reality is that the primary beneficiaries are the owners of the means of production, who have profited enormously at the expense of our nation's development. Meanwhile, greedy capitalists have extracted billions of dollars, thereby contributing to the growth of their own countries. I strongly condemn all individuals involved in the sale of our natural resources to these exploitative entities.

It's been a couple of weeks since our Republican President signed Bill Seven into law, marking a significant milestone in our nation's journey towards inclusivity. As expected, this constitutional amendment has elicited varied reactions from different segments of society. While some have voiced their support, others have articulated their opposition, citing valid concerns and reasons. Before sharing my stance, I wish to commend the President and his cabinet ministers for their tireless efforts in seeing this amendment through. The President's commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups is evident in his leadership, and I believe he deserves the support of all Zambians who care about progress. Here's why I'm optimistic about the enactment of Bill Seven: it paves the way for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, to contribute meaningfully to our nation's development. For too long, we've faced barriers to representation in Parliament, but this law change addresses that. During my time as Minister for Students with Disabilities at the University of Zambia, I witnessed firsthand the challenges we faced due to a lack of representation. Bill Seven is a game-changer, offering a platform for persons with disabilities to shape policy and advocate for change. I'd like to thank the President for clearing the path to Parliament, enabling us to represent persons with disabilities and drive meaningful change. To my fellow persons with disabilities, let's seize this moment to redefine the narratives surrounding disability in our country and work towards a brighter future.

Fostering Qualities that Elevate Teaching and Learning. I recall a colleague who landed a scholarship to study in Canada, and upon returning home after three years, he seemed revitalized. During a visit, I playfully remarked, “Mark, it's clear the experiences you've had have had a profound impact; you've undergone a significant transformation!” We chuckled together. He smiled knowingly and said, “If you saw the differences between our systems and Canada's, you'd be moved. Even the educational system fosters a sense of self-worth.” My curiosity piqued, I asked him to elaborate. He shared a surprising anecdote. “In my Canadian university, lecturers avoided giving zeros on exams. Instead, they focused on encouragement, ensuring that even the lowest score wasn't below 40%.” I asked, incredulous, “So even if a student's answers were off the mark, they'd still receive 40%?” He nodded, and I pressed him for more insight. “I posed the same question to my lecturer, wondering why zeros weren't given as a penalty for failing to meet expectations. The lecturer's response left a lasting impression on me.” The lecturer had explained, “No student deserves to be given up on. How can we penalize someone who shows up, tries, and learns, even if they don't get it right away? Here, we value the effort, not just the outcome, because every individual deserves to be seen and valued.” His eyes welled up as he reflected on the moment. He continued, “That's when I understood the true meaning of empathy and the importance of treating others with kindness. The educational system there doesn't just teach; it builds character.” This story brought back memories of my own childhood. I remembered how my primary school teacher would give zeros and announce them publicly, often with humiliating consequences. Looking back, I realize that many students struggled not because they lacked intelligence but because the system failed to support them. Children thrive on encouragement, not ridicule. Assigning zeros can undermine their confidence, while mockery can dampen their enthusiasm. Once students feel incapable, they're likely to disengage. It's crucial for educators and parents to shift their approach from discipline to nurturing, focusing on compassion, patience, and respect. By doing so, we can empower the next generation, recognizing the potential in every child rather than tearing them down.

THE URGENT CALL TO THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT IN ZAMBIA
By Chitalu T. Chipili
Introduction
Greetings to friends and colleagues within the disability community in Zambia and beyond. It is gratifying to witness the successful and smooth amendment of the Zambian Constitution. Despite the heated debates and disagreements during the enactment of Bill 7, it is worth acknowledging that the process has concluded without compromising the peace of our nation.
The Significance of Bill 7 and Mixed Member Proportional Representation
The Disability Movement throughout Zambia should celebrate the assenting to this bill by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema. However, this is not a time for complacency. We must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure the benefits of this law are fully realized.
A primary motivation for the disability community’s support of Bill 7 was the introduction of Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR). This inclusion is long overdue. Had such a system been implemented earlier, perhaps the lives of persons with disabilities in Zambia would not be characterized by the extreme poverty and neglect seen today.
While Zambia’s first president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, demonstrated an early commitment to inclusion by appointing individuals like Lazarus Tembo to key positions, these actions were not backed by law and were subject to personal discretion. President Hichilema has now formalized this commitment by enshrining MMPR into law, ensuring that persons with disabilities have a legal right to represent themselves in the National Assembly.
A Call for Selfless Leadership
To the leaders of organizations representing persons with disabilities, we must ask: what does this opportunity mean for us? This law must not be viewed as a mere chance for personal advancement or the accumulation of wealth. Instead, it demands selfless leadership and genuine representation.
We must look beyond ourselves to identify capable individuals who can effectively represent our interests in Parliament. This platform should be used to amplify our collective voice, defend our rights, and secure quality education and services for all persons with disabilities. If we prioritize self-interest, we will fail to make a lasting positive impact on our community.
Strategies for Implementation
To ensure our community benefits from this law, we must take the following steps:
* Identify Qualified Candidates: We must begin identifying leaders characterized by integrity, courage, and patriotism, rather than mere friendship.
* Engage Political Leaders: We must proactively engage politicians to ensure the correct implementation of the law and prevent any dilution of its intent.
* Advocate for Holistic Inclusion: Our advocacy should extend beyond the five seats specifically reserved for our membership. We must remind political parties that the quotas for women (20 seats) and youth (15 seats) must also include women and youth with disabilities.
Conclusion
As leaders, we must be proactive rather than reactive. By engaging political leaders now, we can help them identify the right representatives and ensure that fairness and justice prevail across all groupings. Let us work together to ensure that the beauty of this law translates into a better life for every person with a disability in Zambia.
God bless our great nation, Zambia.
About the Author
Chitalu T. Chipili is a Senior Lecturer at Mufulira College of Education, the CBID Copperbelt Provincial Coordinator, and the ZANFOB Copperbelt Provincial Coordinator.

STATEMENT ON THE NEGLECT OF LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS IN TEXTBOOK PROCUREMENT

The Sinazongwe Association of Persons with Disabilities expresses serious concern regarding the continued neglect of children with Special Education Needs (SEN) in the national textbook procurement process conducted by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Education.

During the recent textbook tender process that was widely advertised across various media platforms, it is deeply troubling that no mandatory conditions were included requiring publishers to develop and supply learning materials for children with special education needs, such as learners who are blind, deaf, have intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or other impairments. This omission represents a fundamental failure to uphold inclusive education principles and the rights of learners with disabilities.

From reliable information available to us, not a single publisher made an attempt to write or submit textbooks specifically designed for children with special education needs. This outcome is not accidental. It is a direct result of the Ministry’s failure to place clear, firm, and enforceable conditions in the tender requirements that would have made publishers accountable from the very beginning.

This situation raises serious questions:
• Why were publishers not compelled to include accessible formats such as Braille, large print, audio, sign-language-supported materials, and simplified texts?
• Why were children with disabilities once again treated as an afterthought in a national education process?
• How does this omission align with Zambia’s commitments under the Education Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, and international conventions on inclusive education?

Inclusive education is not achieved through policy statements alone; it must be reflected in budgeting, procurement, planning, and implementation. By failing to include strict tender conditions on special needs education materials, the Ministry has effectively excluded thousands of learners with disabilities from equal access to education.

As the Sinazongwe Association of Persons with Disabilities, we formally demand a clear and public response from the Government and the Ministry of Education to address this apparent negligence. We also call for immediate corrective measures to ensure that:
• Future tenders include compulsory provisions for special education materials.
• Publishers are held accountable for inclusive content.
• Learners with disabilities are recognized as equal beneficiaries of public education resources.

Furthermore, we call upon other Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organisations, education advocates, well-meaning Zambians, parents, faith-based organisations, development partners, and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to join us in this important fight for inclusive and equitable education. This is not a fight for one association, district, or group—it is a national responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of children with disabilities.

Children with special education needs are not optional beneficiaries of the education system. They are citizens with equal rights. Any education system that ignores them from the start is unjust, discriminatory, and unacceptable.

For too long, individuals with disabilities in our nation have endured marginalization, fostering a resigned acceptance of the circumstances dictated by external forces. It's high time we affirm our dignity, highlight our pivotal contributions to national progress, and obligate our leaders to acknowledge the immense value we bring to shaping our society's multifaceted landscape. We possess the right to demand better and challenge the structures that influence our existence. Warmest greetings to all persons with disabilities in this group.

What is happening in our country today? Reminds me of that story in the Bible that says that, let the dead bury themselves 😶