Nutrition and Health Sciences, Department of

 

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Accessibility Remediation

If you are unable to use this item in its current form due to accessibility barriers, you may request remediation through our remediation request form.

Sew Zambia! Home Economics in Primary & Secondary Schools of the Eastern & Southern Provinces

Clare Schinzel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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).