Nutrition and Health Sciences, Department of
Sew Zambia! Home Economics in Primary & Secondary Schools of the Eastern & Southern Provinces
Document Type Article
Copyright © 2022 Clare Schinzel
Abstract
Introduction: Home Economics (HE) is within the main curriculum for primary school students in Zambia, yet it remains unclear what is included.
Methods: Survey research conducted between May-June 2022 on 6-7th-grade students within 9 Zambian schools. Classroom observations were made, and teachers were interviewed in primary and secondary public schools.
Results: Most know how to cook and sew. Zambian women cook more than men and learn at an older age. Both males and females are trained to sew learning at a much younger age.
Discussion: HE remains critical to learning life skills in Zambia and the curriculum reflects skills related to rural living: 54.6% of Zambians work in agriculture while only 2% work in agriculture in the US (FAO, 2023).