18/07/2026
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS UNION OF ZAMBIA (SPETUZ)
PRESS STATEMENT
SPETUZ COMMENDS GOVERNMENT, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FOR CHAMPIONING SPECIAL/INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA
For Immediate Release
Date: 18th July 2026
The Special Education Teachers Union of Zambia (SPETUZ) wishes to commend the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Education, for the demonstrable commitment and progressive steps taken to advance Special and Inclusive Education across the country.
We note with appreciation the following milestones that reflect government’s resolve to ensure no learner is left behind:
1. Policy Implementation: The continued rollout of the _Education and Skills Sector Plan 2022-2026_ and the _Inclusive Education Implementation Guidelines_ has provided a clear roadmap for mainstreaming learners with disabilities in public schools.
2. Career Progression & Leadership: SPETUZ particularly applauds the Ministry for promoting teachers of Special/Inclusive Education to key administrative positions, including Standards Officers, Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers, and other senior roles. We specifically recognize the Provincial Education Officer for Western Province, the hardworking Senior Education Standards Officer – Special, and other PEOs across the country who have championed the elevation of qualified special education practitioners. This progressive move not only motivates special education practitioners but also ensures that decision-making at all levels is informed by expertise in inclusive education.
3. Infrastructure & Resources: The Ministry’s deliberate effort to construct accessible classrooms, provide assistive devices, and scale up the distribution of specialized teaching and learning materials demonstrates practical commitment to equity.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration: The open-door policy adopted by the Ministry in engaging SPETUZ, parents, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in policy dialogue has ensured that interventions are responsive to the real needs of learners with special educational needs.
SPETUZ believes these interventions are not only in line with Article 24 of the _UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities_ and Zambia’s _Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012_, but are also critical to attaining SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education.
We therefore urge the Ministry to sustain this momentum by:
1. Fast-tracking the development of the National Inclusive Education Policy.
2. Increasing the budgetary allocation for Special Education in the 2027 National Budget.
3. Scaling up early identification and intervention services in all districts.
4. Continuing to prioritize qualified special education teachers for deployment, leadership and administrative appointments.
SPETUZ remains committed to working with Government, cooperating partners, and communities to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, accesses quality education in a supportive environment.
Issued by:
Mr. Mumba Michael
Executive President (SPETUZ)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +260 977219941
