‘I am a beneficiary of Dr Kaunda’s Legacy on Education’ Charles Chanda pays tribute to KK

…as UPPZ vows to introduce Grade 1 to Grade 9 Religious and Moral Studies

By Derrick Sinjela in Mansa, Luapula Province Central Province

UNITED Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia leader Charles Chanda attributes former First Republican President, the late Dr. Kenneth David Buchizya Kaunda’s humble background as a basis upon the United National Independence Party (UNIP) free education policies were built.

Mr. Chanda nostalgically recollects that during his 27-year-rule as Head of State and Government, Dr. Kaunda did not compromise on a policy decision to provide education to every child and citizen regardless on once situation in life.

The UPPZ leader is delighted that KK’s background as a son of a missionary, the late Reverend David Kaunda married to Helen Kaunda, a teacher consolidated a passionate resolve to provide free education to every citizen from Grade one to Grade Seven (7).

“ Look at why KK was passionate with the education of the nation….He was born on Wednesday 28^th April 1924 in the family where both parents were teachers and he took teaching as his career. Because of having a missionary dad, he saw the importance of religious education in early childhood education.

I can confirm that what has shaped my life is the legacy of including religious education by Dr Kaunda. I have grown up without ever drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes because the fear of the Lord Jesus Christ that was planted into my life at school through my teachers. As a matter of interest, many will find this submission funny that CC 2021 was afraid to approach a girl because of this religious education discouraged such characteristics in his life.

Quoting Proverbs 22:6 King James Version (KJV): “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” Chanda attributed his living to this biblical philosophy.

However, the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia leader regrets that in today’s Zambia the story is different and children are dying young on account of failing to lead exemplary lifestyles.

“I am alive today because l took serious what they taught at me school. Ask my age mates who are professionals in liquor drinking and they will tell you they started playing after finishing school or later years at secondary school. Today the story is different. Children drink because no one is there to tell them of the evils of drinking. It is for this reason l am running for presidency, so l can take the nation back to our roots as a conservative, religious and traditional society,” implored Chanda, reiterating that United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia was established on Tuesday 25^th October 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa to champion such ideals.

Chanda says as a tribute to Kaunda’s investment in the education sector, evident by the University of Zambia (UNZA) Great East Road Campus, and learning facilities located near a community of people, UPPZ once elected in 53 days’ time, will introduce Religious and Moral Studies from Grade 1 to Grade 9.

Pledged Chanda: “AS UPPZ, we are going to introduce Religious and Moral Studies from Grade 1 to Grade 9. This subject will be taught at home and faith based institutions during the weekend. Teachers at formal schools will assess and give assignments. Government will work hand in hand with Sunday School Teachers. It will thus be compulsory for children to find a church to go to from Grade 1 as that will be an extension of school. Churches must prepare enough furniture as UPPZ is bringing members. Tell me how can a person called by God to declare the word of God, fail to lead a child that attends church for nine years to Christ?”

The UPPZ education policy will ensure that all children are compelled in grade nine to write an exam in Religious and Moral Studies, with two certificates being awarded according to ones performance.

“Two certificates for the subject will be issued, one by the school for the assessment and one by the institution, where the child attended as Certificate of attendance. These two Certificates will be required for one to be admitted to any tertiary institution. Through this we can have a morally upright society. This is why UPPZ needs the support of every well-meaning Zambian, as it has a manifesto that has never been heard of,” boasted Chanda as he paid tribute to Dr. Kaunda for shaping his life through the educational policy.