BACKGROUND
The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. Therefore, the mission of ZANEC is to serve as a national Coalition of education organisations promoting quality and inclusive education for all through research, advocacy, social accountability and member capacity building.
ZANEC has been running a Student Research Mentorship Programme since 2018 with the support of the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH). Since then, several students from various Private and Public Institutions of Higher Learning across the country have been provided with technical and financial support to conduct academic-style research on topical issues.
RATIONALE
The ZANEC research mentorship programme is designed to enhance research skills, critical thinking, and promote effective analytical and communication skills that are globally sought-after and are incredibly beneficial for students pursuing higher education. ZANEC therefore wishes to support 10 students to research topical issues to enhance their undergraduate research skills.
1. RESEARCH PURPOSE
To provide ten (10) students who are enrolled at any Zambian private or public university or college with an opportunity to enhance their research skills.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
· Support identified students to conduct research on topical issues for the academic year 2026.
· Through the research findings, create evidence to support ZANEC’s advocacy on the promotion of academic freedoms in institutions of higher learning.
2. SCOPE OF WORK
Successful applicants will conduct academic research. Preference will be given to research topics focusing on
a) Access and equity at Higher Learning Institutions,
b) social and psychological well-being of students in institutions of higher learning;
c) the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on academic freedom,
d) assessing the quality of education provided at higher learning institutions,
e) Participation of women in student leadership and governance
f) Inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education,
g) Impact of campus policies on gender-based violence prevention,
h) Impact of tuition fees on access and equity
and other topics which may include, but will not be limited to sexual harassment of students in higher learning institutions and inclusive societies.
KEY DELIVERABLES
i. Submit a research proposal expressing interest in undertaking research in any of the above-provided topics, outlining focus, methodology and timelines.
ii. Must be available to attend an inception orientation meeting on research methodologies.
iii. Carry out academic research in a period of not more than two months.
iv. Timely submission of completed research documents after two months of research.
v. Submit 2 hard copies and a soft copy of the final research report to ZANEC.
3. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Must be an enrolled second or third-year student at an institution of higher learning (university or College).
All research proposals must be submitted through email or hand-delivered to the address below by Friday, 12th March 2026.
The Executive Director,
Zambia National Education Coalition,
Plot 125/90A Mufufuma Road,
Jesmondine
P.O. Box 30774,
Lusaka-Zambia,
Email: admin@zanec.org.zm
Cc: za2002nec@gmail.com
Guiding Notes for Student Research Proposals:
Your research proposal should include but not limited to:
- Research Topic
- Statement of the problem
- Purpose (objectives of the study)
- Specific objective/s
- Methodology
- Literature Review
- Hypothesis
- Definition of terms
- Assumptions
Kindly note that the above is a guide designed to ensure that your proposal follows a standard structure.
