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Exploring the realisation of early childhood education implementation in the education skills and sector plan in Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Education in Educational Administration and ManagementThe purpose of this study was to explore the implementation of Early Childhood Education in line with the Education Sector and Skills Plan as it has implications on policy analysis and implementation which will bring recognition to the state of ECE in Zambia. The research study was underpinned by Edward III’s theorizing approach or policy implementation theory which lies on the premise that if a policy needs to be effectively and efficiently implemented, the implementers not only have to know what to do and have the ability to carry out the policy, but also have the intention to implement the policy. This research applied a qualitative approach that used a descriptive narrative design. The study sample included thirteen (13) participants whom were officials from the Ministry of General Education and from the Directorate of Early Childhood Education to constitute the sample for the analysis. Under purposive sampling- typical sampling techniques were used to sample the participants. Data was generated using interviews and document analysis. It was then analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis techniques based on the emerging themes from the study. The findings of the study sought to suggest that little had been done in terms of construction of ECE schools as the ESSP recommended, as in the past years funding allocated to ECE in the National budget was not enough. Furthermore, some parents in rural areas are still not convinced
of the importance of ECE. The study further revealed that most of the challenges experienced in the implementation of ECE are as a result of fiscal challenges- which have resulted into a small number of well-constructed schools, lack of teachers in schools and unavailability of data on progress of ECE. Participants further added that partnerships were being formulated with International Organizations that have come on board to spread and develop the sector. The study recommended strategies which included the government constructing appropriate Infrastructure for better ECE practices, instead of using infrastructure which was designed for children above the age of six. ECE class-sizes and child-teacher ratios must be considered when enrolling children for quality education provision so as to produce desirable results was also another recommendation and lastly, the need for ECE centres to have active partnerships with parents which accommodate their needs
Detection and molecular epidemiology of echinococcus spp in the wild and domestic carnivores in the wildlife-livestock interface areas of the South Luangwa national park in Mfuwe of Mambwe district of Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in One Health Analytical Epidemiology.Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with specific genotypes or strains caused by parasites of the genus Echinococcus. The close relationship between humans and animals provides chances of transmission of this zoonotic disease. Globally, there may be more than one million people living with these diseases at any given point in time, making echinococcosis as a major public health concern, more especially in developing countries with meagre economic resources. However, there are major constraints when it comes to prevention measures which are exacerbated by more emerging fatal zoonotic infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in the wild and domestic carnivores in the wildlife-livestock interface areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 – January 2020. A total of 631 stool samples from wild carnivores were collected from the South Luangwa National Park game management area and 442 stool samples were domestic dogs collected from six zones of Mfuwe in Mambwe District. The samples were subjected to microscopic isolation of taeniid eggs and DNA extraction for sequencing at University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine laboratory. Up to an average of 20 taeniid eggs per positive faecal sample were picked and lysed. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing were performed using Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) nest and Big dye standard
protocol. The proportion of stool samples of wild carnivores which were found with taeniid eggs was 1.3% (8/631) and domestic dogs was 0% (0/334). Among the wild carnivore samples, 14.4 % (17/118) of the lion stool samples were found to be positive with Echinococcus spp. In the phylogenetic tree of Echinococcus which was constructed from the mitochondrial genes, E. felidis was positioned as a sister taxon of E. granulosus sensu stricto. The obtained sequences of the mitochondrial nad1 gene showed 98% identity to previously published sequence of E. felidis (MG 271924) in Kenya. All DNA fragments (<200bp) showed 98% similarity with E. felidis sequences from Kenyan dog’s (MG271925) and lions in Uganda (EF558357). The results of this study indicated that Echinococcus felidis is prevalent in canid wildlife while there is no evidence in dogs. However, this does portray a potential risk given that there is an interaction among humans, domestic dogs and wildlife as they share the same habitat. Therefore, there is a need to create a platform for information, education and communication in the game areas about the dangers of this infection to increase preventive and control measures
Beneficiaries' perceptions of student loan repayment: insights from the Zambian context
Full text linkThis study explored the perceptions of beneficiaries towards student loan repayment in Zambia. The study
was guided by the Ability to Pay Theory. The researcher employed pragmatism researcher paradigm and
an embedded design. The respondents were sampled using simple random sampling (students), non
discriminative snowball sampling (graduates) and expert purposive sampling (key informants). This study
encompassed a sample of 1400 students, 18 graduates, 1 Ministry of Education Official as well as 6
members of staff at Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board (HELSB). Questionnaires and
interview guides were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The quantitative data
collected was analysed using a software commonly known as SPSS and qualitative data was analysed
using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that the interest rate is relatively high.
Despite indicating that the interest rate is too high, some beneficiaries stressed that they will pay their
student loans in order for the government to continue supporting other needy students. Based on the
findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were made: HELSB must consider reducing the
interest rate and ensure that the loan deductions are reduced to a fair amount, preferably, the deductions
should be proportional to a person’s basic salary. HELSB needs to insure the loans because loan
insurance considerably reduces the educational debt's financial risk. In order to guarantee that these
requirements are laid out explicitly in the agreement deed, HELSB must make sure that borrowers are
well-informed about their obligations to repay their loans at the time of application. To aid in the tracing
down of beneficiaries whose loans have matured, HELSB needs to establish closer relationships with
higher educational institutions, student organisations/unions, and alumni networks. They should also
work more closely with employing agencies and employers to ensure timely repayment and recovery of
loans. In an effort to increase the employers' compliance levels, HELSB management ought to think about
devoting additional resources to leading compliance visits
Experiences of mothers of neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Nyangabgwe hospital, Francistown, Botswana.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Neonatal Nursing.Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) provide life-saving care for critically ill neonates. However, mothers of NICU-admitted neonates experience significant emotional, psychological, and logistical challenges. This study explores the experiences of mothers with neonates admitted in the NICU at Nyangabgwe Hospital, Francistown, Botswana, focusing on their challenges, coping mechanisms, and the influence of cultural and healthcare system
factors. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 11 mothers whose neonates had been admitted to the NICU for at least one week. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability strategies. Three major themes emerged: Emotional and Psychological Impact – mothers experienced stress, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, and emotional resilience while developing coping mechanisms. Healthcare System Challenges – mothers faced resource constraints, inconsistent communication with healthcare providers, delayed responses, and a lack of counselling services. Cultural and Social Dynamics – cultural beliefs, family restrictions, and taboos influenced maternal perceptions and experiences in the NICU. The findings highlight the need for a more inclusive and family-centred approach in
NICU care. Improving communication, psychological support, and culturally sensitive interventions can enhance maternal well-being and ultimately improve neonatal outcomes. Addressing the systemic gaps in healthcare delivery is crucial for ensuring a supportive environment for mothers in NICUs.
Keywords: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, maternal experiences, emotional distress, coping mechanisms, healthcare challenges, cultural influence, Botswana
Exploring parental involvement in supporting play based learning in selected early childhood education centres in Kitwe, Zambia.
Full text linkParental involvement is positively associated with greater wellbeing of children in their earlier ages for the sake of educational success. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of parental involvement in supporting Play Based Learning (PBL) in Early Childhood Education.
The study was guided by the following objectives, to establish the nature of parental involvement in supporting PBL, examine the perceptions of parents regarding their involvement in PBL and to establish strategies used to strengthen PI in supporting PBL in ECE settings. The study implored a qualitative approach and used case study design to have an insight on PI in supporting PBL. Data for the study was collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 parents whose children are in ECE and 3 focus group discussions with teachers teaching at ECE in Kitwe District. Particularly Zonal schools were purposefully selected for the study. Parents were selected from the same schools whose children attended
ECE in the Zonal schools. The data collected was analysed thematically. Findings revealed that parents predominantly engaged with their children in PBL activities at home rather than at school. Parental activities at home include providing resources such as building blocks, toys, and engaging in games. While many parents actively support their children’s play and learning, challenges were observed, including limited knowledge of play-based learning (PBL) practices, such as how to effectively engage children and selecting activities that align with school-based learning as well as cultural dynamics, such as discomfort with a male parent engaging in play with a daughter. In contrast, school engagement by parents was minimal, often limited to obligatory activities such as attending meetings and open days. The study emphasises on the transformative impact of parental involvement in PBL, fostering holistic child development, strengthening family bonds, and creating a nurturing learning environment that
bridges the home and school. It highlights the importance of strengthening communication, providing educational resources, and addressing systemic challenges to foster effective parental involvement in PBL. Recommendations included capacity-building workshops, home-school
activity alignment, and increased investments in PBL resources
Effects of customer retention strategies on organisational performance: the case of First National Bank Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Business Administration Finance.As the competitive environment of the banking industry becomes increasingly fierce, it is important for industry players to nurture and keep customers loyal who will contribute to their long-term growth and profitability. Customer retention is critical for sustaining organisational existence and profitability. Both practitioners and scholars have discovered that it is much cheaper to retain existing customers than investing on the potential customers. A decent customer retention level is believed to be a significant contributor towards improvement in the overall performance of the firm. Given the importance of customers as an organization’s primary revenue generator, understanding how customer retention affects business performance is expected to provide constructive implications for both academics and practitioners. Furthermore, Customer retention is an important aspect of organisational performance as cost reduces in servicing existing customers. This study intended to investigate how customer retention practices affect organisational performance in the banking sector with a particular focus on First National Bank Zambia. The study specifically, examined how customer service quality, Effective Pricing and customer communication affects organisational performance in the Zambian banking industry. The respondents were FNB customers across the entire branch network. A quantitative research design was adopted for this study due to its ability to be objective and produce generalizable results. A sample size of 150 customers was selected for the study using a questionnaire from the base of customers who consented to be contacted by the bank for marketing communications, using a simple random sampling method. The response rate was 91% (136 out of 150). A linear regression model was then developed from the data analysis to ascertain the impact of customer retention
strategies on organisational performance. Findings of the study indicated that attributes of customer retention i.e., Effective pricing, customer service and customer communication individually and collectively had a positive and statistically significant effect organisational performance. The study recommends that Banks in Zambia should invest more in managing customer relationships as a way of retaining them and attracting them and also to implement robust customer value management programs to improve customer life time value. Customer retention will give them an advantage over their competitors and contribute to overall profitability.
Keywords: Organizational performance, Customer retention strategies, Customer Retention, Profitability, Communication, Financial sector, Effective pricing, customer service, customer communication, First National Ban
Climate literacy and adaptation to climate change among small-scale farmers in Chongwe, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Masters in Adult Education Degree.This study investigated the importance of climate literacy in influencing the attitudes and adaption strategies of small-scale farmers in Chongwe. The report emphasizes how climate change has a substantial influence on the region's agricultural output and food security, particularly through extreme weather events like droughts and floods. The specific objectives of the were to establish how climate literacy shapes the perceptions of climate change among small-scale farmers in Chongwe and to explore small scale farmers’ involvement in climate literacy interventions in Chongwe. The study also aimed at exploring how climate literacy influences the development and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies utilised by small-scale farmers in Chongwe. To gather information from small-scale farmers, the study used a qualitative research approach and conducted interviews. Participants included forty six
small-scale farmers and five extension officers. Data was analysed Thematically. The findings revealed a knowledge and comprehension gap impeding successful climate change adaptation among small scale farmers in Chongwe district. Thus, study emphasized the critical need to improve climate literacy among small scale farmers through focused educational initiatives and support networks in order to equip farmers with adequate climate smartness in their agricultural endeavors. The findings further suggested that although some farmers are aware of climate change on a fundamental level, many are not fully aware of its origins and implications thereby undermining their abilities to adapt to climate change. The findings insinuate that lack of adequate climate literacy raises exposure to climate change-related hazards and lowers agricultural production among small scale farmers in Chongwe district. Consequently, the
study emphasized community-based initiatives and extension services among other multifaceted educational mechanisms in order for small scale farmers to adapt climate smart agricultural practices. The study showed that by addressing these gaps, farmers may build more resilient agricultural methods, resulting in enhanced food security and sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change. This study proffers significant insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to help rural communities in adjusting to the challenges
posed by climate change
Contribution of career guidance received at secondary school on choice of careers by female students in institutions under TEVETA in Lusaka province, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Guidance and Counselling.This study sought to investigate the contribution of career guidance received at secondary school on choice of careers by female students in institutions under TEVETA in Lusaka province, Zambia. The investigation serves as a springboard to establishing a strategy framework that may be used to assist female students in secondary schools in making appropriate career choices. The study used an intrinsic case study research design. Typical case
purposive sampling procedure was used to select both the study institution and the 20 first year female students. Semi structured interview and non-participant observation guides were used to collect data. Trustworthiness of the data collected was assured through rigorous adherence to credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and flexibility quality criteria of qualitative study. The study revealed that while at secondary school the female students received show casing competences, instructive guidance and strategic decision as types of career guidance services. The study revealed family (bonding relations), education institutions, Intermediary Crafted Sources and peers as the sources of career guidance for the female
students while at secondary school and family as the leading source among them. The study also revealed that work motivation and expectation had an influence on the choice of study programmes by the first-year female students at the TEVETA accredited institution. This was seen in them alluding to the fact that they were motivated to choose the study programmes they were pursuing as it was an avenue for them to be able to acquire property, have stability and survive and perform social responsibilities. The study further revealed that gender role socialization did not play any role in motivating female students to choose careers as both female and male students were competing in the same study programmes with same interest.
The study also revealed that structure of opportunity influenced the choice of study programmes by the female students as it brought about demographic divide and compromise on quality in terms of college entry requirements. The study recommended a first-degree training for individuals to give career guidance to girls at secondary school and the introduction of career guidance as a subject. It was also recommended that only trained career guidance personnel be allowed to deal with career guidance issues in schools. Lastly, the study also recommended a career guidance strategy framework to be used in helping girls make appropriate career choices.
Keywords: Sources of Career guidance, School career guidance, Work Motivation, Work expectation, TEVET
The role of smartcare electronic health records system in the delivery of health services: case of first-level hospitals in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Library and Information ScienceThe study investigated the role of the SmartCare Electronic Health Records System in the delivery of Health Services in five (5) First-level Hospitals in Lusaka District. The study adopted a qualitative research design, where twenty-five (25) registry personnel comprising twenty-two (22) registry clerks and three (3) registry supervisors, who were deemed to be key Informants, were interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. The study sought to: (i) ascertain the registry personnel’s experiences and perceptions of using the SmartCare system for managing healthcare
records, (ii) determine the policy framework for managing records within the SmartCare health system, (iii) ascertain the extent to which SmartCare has enhanced service delivery, and (iv) explore the challenges faced in the implementation of the SmartCare health system. Data were
analyzed thematically. The results of the study showed that registry personnel in Lusaka’s first- level hospitals view the SmartCare system positively, highlighting its efficiency in record management. It enhances data accuracy, accessibility, and retrieval, reducing physical storage needs and streamlining patient registration. Research findings also showed that the implementation of SmartCare had improved operations in the healthcare system in many ways, including improved service delivery, enhanced storage of patients’ records, easy access and retrieval of records,
tracking of patients’ medical records, and an improved referral system. The study further established that registry personnel at first-level hospitals had never attended formal records management training, and no formal ICT training was offered to records management staff in the institutions. This negatively affected the management of records in the facilities. The registry personnel at first-level hospitals were not aware of existing policies and standards for the administration of their work. The challenges faced by registry personnel regarding the utilization of SmartCare in their service delivery included system failure, erratic power supply (load shedding), lack of staff training, inadequate computers, poor network connectivity, and the unavailability of Smartcards. The study recommended that the Ministry of Health consider acquiring more computers for all registries for use with SmartCare, sensitising registry personnel on the existing e-records management policies, training the Registry Personnel in the use of SmartCare, and ensuring a constant supply of Smartcards to patients. The study suggests that hospitals planning to implement the SmartCare EHR system can use the outcomes of this study to learn lessons that would aid in successful implementation
Exploring the influence of the home environment on play based learning in early childhood education in Mazabuka district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Masters in Early Childhood Education.The influence of the home environment on play-based learning in early childhood education is significant, particularly in shaping children’s readiness and engagement within formal learning settings. This study explored how elements of the home environment impacted PBL in selected Early Childhood Education centres within Mazabuka District, Zambia. The study utilized a qualitative case study approach, engaging a purposive sample of size 25 participants which included 5 teachers and 20 family members from various households. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that families provided varying levels of support for play-based learning at home, with elements such as adaptable play spaces, accessible educational resources, and active parental involvement playing crucial roles in children’s learning and development. Parents generally viewed PBL as beneficial, though they faced obstacles, including safety concerns, screen time distractions, and limited resources. The study also identified a significant relationship between how play was conducted at home and children’s engagement in structured PBL activities at ECE centres, where factors like family adaptability, community support, and interest in training enhanced alignment with school-based learning. Overall, the study concluded that an enriched home environment and positive family attitudes towards play-based learning significantly enhance children’s learning in Early Childhood Education. The study recommended developing parent-focused engagement programs, community-based training, and support for affordable play resources to foster a more conducive environment for PBL at home.
Keywords: Early childhood education, Home environment, Parental involvement, Play-based learnin