Zambia-Ireland Partnership

The Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD, visited Zambia from 5-10 February to explore possible collaboration between Ireland and Zambia, particularly in the area of teacher education. The delegation accompanying the Minister included Bridget McManus, Secretary-General of the DES; Sean MacMahon and Máire Mathews of Irish Aid, Seán Flynn, Irish Times; and Dr Pauric Travers, President of St Patrick's College, representing the Irish Colleges of Education. The programme involved visits to schools and Colleges of Education in Lusaka, the Copper Belt and Livingstone in the Southern Province, as well as to an Aids project in Ndola.

The party was welcomed to Zambia by Irish Ambassador, Bill Nolan, a distinguished alumnus of St Patrick's College. The preparation for the visit was undertaken on behalf of Irish Aid by Cathal Higgins, former member of staff in St Patrick's College and in the World Bank.

At the conclusion of the visit, a joint statement was issued by Minister Hanafin and her Zambia opposite number, announcing a joint project which will involve the Irish Colleges of Education supporting their counterparts in Zambia. This will focus on professional development support for College staff in priority areas within the Zambian national development plan and the sectoral plan including literacy, numeracy, ICT and multi-grade. A follow-up technical visit is planned to finalise a detailed project proposal.

Pictured below are pupils of Mama Monty Basic School, Kitwe:

 

 

More pupils of Mama Monty Basic School, Kitwe

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Tuesday February 20 2007