a teacher of ICT subjects at Chitamba Day Secondary School in Zambia

My achievements as a professional teacher are evident in that the trajectory of my learner’s final examination results has been going up exponentially. For   example, The Grade 9 results final examination pass percentage in 2016 was 27% at Chitamba Secondary school before I started teaching there. In 2017, my first year there, the Grade 9 results increased to 64% pass percentage at the school. Last year the results increased to 89% of which I was awarded on Teachers Day last year for hard work. I am the only ICT teacher at the school since being at the school in January of 2017. This is my greatest achievement. This is amidst taking up various responsibilities as the acting mathematics Head of department, Assistant guidance teacher as well as other extra responsibilities.

Being an ICT teacher in a third world country, this opportunity will provide me with an opportunity to engage and share experiences from other teachers and learn new ideas and concepts in how they run their education system especially in the field of ICT, as a participant from Zambia, I will demonstrate how ICT introduction in Primary and secondary Schools have improved learner’s knowledge in Zambia.  Equally I will share the culture, good practice and the education system of Zambia. The education tour will facilitate a platform for identifying the grey areas in my knowledge and skills especially in the field of ICT.
The implementation of activities in the education system in Zambia is currently in line with the National Education Policy of 1996 and the Education and skills development chapter of the revised seventh National Development Plan for the period 2017 to 2021. The education system in Zambia is a developing system of which the government of Zambia is putting strides to improve it. This is observed in policy pronouncements such as free primary education and the re-entry policy which implies the retention of pregnant girls in school after delivery.
The new curriculum has incorporated computer studies as compulsory for Grades 8 and 9. This has been done to enable learners have more knowledge and skills of Information and Communication technology. 
Despite these positive strides, the system still has a lot of room of improvement. For instance, lessons are still more of lecture lessons than participatory between teachers and learners. Students still do more of listening than participatory approach. Further, educators need to realize that technology is not disruptive as it is sometimes looked. 
Amidst these challenges I ensure access and participation, quality, efficiency of education delivery and equity.  
I make sure my lessons incorporate some form of technology such as use of computers and power point. PowerPoint enhances learning such as displaying videos of educative lessons. As an ICT teacher there are a lot of challenges to do with materials. With the very few computers that we have at my current place of work, I have made sure I increase on practical lessons. Hands on is my policy. To improve quality of lessons I group the learners in smaller groups during practical lessons. This further improves on access and participation of learners. My improved use of technology in my lessons has increased the level of understanding by the learners. My interpretation of this is that my lesson delivery is more effective and efficient.

I would want a broader perspective on the education system. My passion in ICT arises from the fact that the world has developed so much in technology and as such our learners in Zambia should not be left behind.

However, given an opportunity to take part in this globe event on educatiojn, it will play an important role in educating me in practical and interacting manner. I strongly believe that something seen in real can be perceived more than something we read in books. I am determined to see to it that learners appreciate and develop their skills. Amongst other challenges I have helped to build a mindset among learners where they develop interest in ICT.

This opportunity will give me an international exposure to learn, explore, upgrade my skills using new concepts, acquire more knowledge and share with my colleagues in my city of attendance. An education tour will also help me learn cultural diversity from other participants from the globe in which they went through the period of transitional development. upon coming back to Zambia, I would share experiences to build capacity for both teachers and learners as well as strengthening my skills in the provision of leading learners. Being in the male dominated career of ICT in Zambia, I would want to be an encouragement to young people more especially the young female. This tour would help in this quest.

Knowledge transition can also happen through education tour, learning something by seeing in person is far better than just learning from textbook. Education tours will help impart knowledge to me not only in the field of ICT but also in other fields such as Geography, Science and history.

Lastly, i am goal oriented, firm minded who sees to treat all view point alike. This makes me interact with people irrespective of race or religion without difficulties. The knowledge I will acquire from the education tour will help me to contribute positively to the development of our country and particularly in Mansa at Chitamba Secondary School.