Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) President Dr Nevers Mumba has released a statement expressing concern about the new “Comprehensive Sexual Education” curriculum in Zambia, calling for a review and input from the church, traditional authorities, and parents before its implementation in schools.
Dr Mumba argued that the new curriculum is a threat to Zambia’s standing as a Christian nation and an African society. He stated that any national decision that threatens these values must be debated and reviewed by the custodians of Christian and family values.
“The church, traditional authorities, and parents associations through their PTAs are the real stakeholders in this matter. This new curriculum should not be allowed in our schools until they have had a chance to review it and provide their input,” Dr Mumba said in the statement.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of Zambia as a Christian nation and a decolonized democracy to choose what to teach its children. Dr Mumba argued that the younger generation is being exposed to modernity without sufficient grounding in national morals and values.
“Our generation was never subjected to such information so early in life, and yet the national morals and values far outstrip that of the newer generation. This is our responsibility as a Christian nation. It is our responsibility as a decolonized democracy to choose for ourselves what we teach our children,” he added.
Dr Mumba’s statement has ignited a national debate, with many Zambians expressing their support for his views. Some parents and religious leaders have called for a thorough review of the new curriculum before it is implemented in schools.
“I agree with Dr Mumba that the new Sexual Education curriculum is a threat to our Christian values and African society. Our children need to be protected from the dangers of early exposure to such information,” said Moses Mulenga, a parent in Lusaka.
Religious leaders have also voiced their support for Dr Mumba’s statement. “We need to protect our children from being exposed to foreign values that threaten our Christian and family values. We support Dr Mumba’s call for a review of the new curriculum,” said Bishop Samuel Banda of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia.
However, others have criticized Dr Mumba’s statement, saying that the new curriculum is necessary to educate young people about issues such as consent, gender equality, and reproductive health. They argue that denying young people access to such information is a disservice to their development and could lead to dangerous consequences.
“We need to educate our children about sexual health and reproductive rights. This new curriculum will provide them with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their lives,” said Sarah Tembo, a gender activist in Lusaka.
