The Ministry of Education and UNESCO have hailed the launch of Ola-Zed, a WhatsApp-based learning platform aimed at expanding access to educational resources and promoting inclusive digital learning among learners across Zambia.
The platform provides curriculum-aligned materials, including past examination papers, marking schemes, teacher guides, and life skills and health education content, enabling learners and teachers to access resources beyond the classroom.
Speaking during the launch, UNESCO team leader Alice Saili reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s digital transformation through innovative, learner-centred approaches.
“UNESCO remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Zambia in advancing its digital transformation agenda and strengthening the delivery of life skills and health education through innovative and learner-centred approaches,” she said.
Saili described Ola-Zed as a gateway to knowledge and a tool for empowering young people, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, partners and communities in expanding learning opportunities.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Education representative Francis Hachombwa said the initiative demonstrated how technology could address barriers to quality education, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning materials and disparities in access to educational resources.
He said the platform would extend learning beyond the classroom by placing educational materials directly in the hands of learners and teachers.
Munali Boys Secondary School head boy Shepherd Bwalya welcomed the initiative, saying learners often struggled to access textbooks and past examination papers.
He said delivering approved learning materials through WhatsApp would make them more accessible, given the platform’s widespread use among young people.