01 · FOUNDATIONS
What Are National Values?
National values are principles that help people live together peacefully, make responsible choices and build a better country. They guide how we treat others, use power and resources, and participate in our communities.
Article 8 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 lists six national values and principles:
Morality and ethics
Doing what is right, honest and responsible, even when nobody is watching.
Patriotism and national unity
Loving Zambia, protecting its interests and promoting peace and unity.
Democracy and constitutionalism
Respecting democratic participation, the Constitution and the rule of law.
Human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination
Respecting every person and treating people fairly, without unfair discrimination.
Good governance and integrity
Using leadership and public responsibility honestly, fairly and accountably.
Sustainable development
Meeting today's needs while protecting resources and opportunities for future generations.
Article 9 further provides that the national values and principles apply to the interpretation of the Constitution, the enactment and interpretation of law, and the development and implementation of State policy.
02 · EVERYDAY LIFE
Understanding the Values in Everyday Life.
Morality and Ethics
Being honest and responsible. For example, do not cheat in an examination or take property that is not yours.
Patriotism and National Unity
Caring about Zambia and working peacefully with people from different communities, cultures and backgrounds.
Democracy and Constitutionalism
Having a voice in decisions and respecting the Constitution, laws and agreed democratic processes.
Human Dignity, Equity, Social Justice, Equality and Non-Discrimination
Recognising the worth of every person and promoting fair treatment and inclusion.
Good Governance and Integrity
Leading responsibly, being accountable and avoiding dishonesty or abuse of responsibility.
Sustainable Development
Making choices that use resources wisely and consider the needs of future generations.
03 · WHY THEY MATTER
Why Do These Values Matter?
They help us make responsible decisions.
They promote peace, respect and cooperation.
They help prevent corruption, discrimination and abuse of power.
They encourage responsible citizenship and participation.
They support trustworthy institutions and good leadership.
They help protect Zambia's future.
04 · PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Putting National Values into Practice.
National values are not only ideas written in the Constitution. They should be visible in our daily choices.
| Situation | Value | Responsible action |
|---|---|---|
| A friend wants you to cheat. | Morality and ethics | Refuse and encourage honest work. |
| Students from different backgrounds disagree. | Patriotism and national unity | Listen respectfully and seek common ground. |
| A class representative is elected. | Democracy and constitutionalism | Allow fair participation and respect the result. |
| A learner is excluded because of disability. | Dignity, equality and non-discrimination | Promote inclusion and equal participation. |
| Class project money is missing. | Good governance and integrity | Report honestly and keep proper records. |
| A group is deciding how to use limited shared resources. | Sustainable development | Consider present needs while avoiding waste and protecting future needs. |
05 · DISCUSSION
Case Study Discussion: What Would You Do?
The Lost Wallet
You find a wallet containing money. Nobody saw you. What should you do? Which value guides you?
The Class Election
Your friend loses an election and says the result should be ignored. What would you say?
The Group Assignment
A group member is being excluded because of a disability. What can the group do?
Shared Resources
Your group has limited materials for a project. How can you make fair choices and avoid unnecessary waste?
The Student Leader
A student leader uses club money for personal expenses. Which values are involved?
Different Opinions
Two students disagree strongly. How can they disagree without creating conflict?
06 · QUICK REVIEW
Remember the Six Values.
| National value | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| Morality & ethics | Do what is right and responsible. |
| Patriotism & unity | Love Zambia and promote peace and togetherness. |
| Democracy & constitutionalism | Participate fairly and respect the Constitution and law. |
| Dignity, equity, justice, equality & non-discrimination | Respect every person and promote fairness. |
| Good governance & integrity | Lead and act honestly, responsibly and accountably. |
| Sustainable development | Use resources responsibly and think about future generations. |
07 · LEARNING ACTIVITY & CLOSING
Turn a value into action.
Ask learners to choose one national value and describe one action they can take at school, at home or in their community. Discuss how the value should guide the decision they make.
“Good citizenship begins with everyday choices.”
Alignment: UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. AU Agenda 2063 Goal 11 – Democratic values, practices, universal principles of human rights and justice entrenched; Goal 12 – Capable institutions and transformative leadership in place.
Source: Constitution of Zambia (Amendment), 2016 – Act No. 2, Article 8.
In Module 02, we move from knowing what is right to using those values in practical community service.