Debt servicing regularly exceeds spending on education and social services combined. Moreover, Zambia is severely constrained by the structural adjustment programme which demands sharp reductions in government spending. To obtain debt relief from the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, these stringent monetary conditions need to be met. It has been suggested that Zambia overspends on 'non-essential' areas, but the defence budget, for example, is less than half that of the education budget. But even better-off parents are reluctant to pay the fees because of the poor quality of education and the perception that it does not increase employment opportunities.
Parents are also unwilling to pay for the education of female or disabled children.
The large numbers of street children are unable to attend formal schooling. The growing problem of HIV and AIDS leaves orphans unable to pay school fees and with the responsibility of having to care for sick relatives. Integrating social sector programmes into structural adjustment programmes. Prioritising debt relief and linking it to increased social sector spending, including education. Setting up equitable education programmes to target the girl child, street children, disabled children, orphans, and child carers, which is where NGOs can play a strong role.