The middle tier describes groups of professionals at county, zone, district or provincial level whose role is to monitor and support schools. They are the people who often become master trainers or are tasked with supporting the implementation of a new curriculum or new initiative.
The story of Joseph and his volunteer colleagues is not unusual. Until 2022, 25% of primary schools in Zambia were classed as ‘community schools,’ established by local communities, often in remote locations, to ensure that their children could attend school.
Joseph is the new headteacher of a rural primary school in Central Zambia. He faces many challenges. The school has recently been connected to the mains water supply but has no electricity. In his first few weeks, he was visited by Martha, the District Education Standards Officer, who highlighted the…