By ADRIAN MWANZA
THE Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) has introduced the Teacher Loan Scheme for teachers country wide.
TCZ registrar Ebby Mubanga said the purpose of the scheme was to help teachers access affordable loans at low interest rates.
He said the scheme targeted registered and licensed teachers in both public and private sector.
Dr Mubanga however said phase one targeted selected districts in all provinces, while phase two will cover the rest of the districts.
“Orientation with responsible offices has begun and information for the same can be accessed from the TCZ offices in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Livingstone and Kasama offices, as well as from the district focal point persons at DEBS offices in all the districts. Information can also be accessed online using our website www.tcz.ac.zm,” he said.
He said it was imperative for teachers to know that loans would be disbursed based on the requirements being adequately met.
Dr Mubanga said TCZ was mandated to regulate teachers, their practice and professional conduct and accredit all colleges of education.
He said to fulfil its mandate, the TCZ had embarked on a scheme of goodwill that would add value to teachers’ lives.
Dr Mubanga said caution shall be exercised during the implementation process of the loan scheme so that teachers did not slide into any debt trap.
He said TCZ appreciated Government and its stakeholders for addressing teachers’ indebtedness through the debt swap initiative.
“The TCZ loan scheme, therefore, is an option to support teachers financially without affecting their take home income,” Dr Mubanga said.
