Essay
Education is the means whereby one generation transmits the wisdom, knowledge and experience which prepares the next generation for life’s duties and pleasures. This preparation of people through learning activities for their current and future jobs is what Eggland (1985) refers to as human resource development (HRD). Omolewa (2000) states that, HRD has existed in Africa and Zambia in particular since time immemorial and that it has a rich, independent and diverse historical past. It is against this background that this paper discusses Human Resource Development during the pre-colonial period in Zambia. In order to contextualize this topic, definition, aims, forms and techniques of HRD are discussed.
Though Human Resource Development has been defined in many ways by different scholars, the focus of all aspects of HRD is on developing the most superior workforce so that the organization and individual employees can accomplish their work goals in service to customers. According to Elwood, Holton, James and Trott (1996), HRD is the integrated use of training, organization, and career development efforts to improve individual, group and organizational effectiveness. HRD develops the key competencies that enable individuals in organizations to perform current and future jobs through planned learning activities.
During the pre-colonial period, organisations such as homes, initiation camps and the Zango (common meeting place for the Luvale men of Northwestern province) needed HRD for them to function effectively. To this effect, the aims of HRD in the pre-colonial period included; to inculcate and nurture good character and to provide skills for the survival of the community. It was also aimed at instilling good health and hygiene in the young members of the community. In addition, HRD provided the Zambian child with adequate knowledge of his or her history, belief systems and culture, thus enabling the learner to be functionally literate in his or her cultural
Though Human Resource Development has been defined in many ways by different scholars, the focus of all aspects of HRD is on developing the most superior workforce so that the organization and individual employees can accomplish their work goals in service to customers. According to Elwood, Holton, James and Trott (1996), HRD is the integrated use of training, organization, and career development efforts to improve individual, group and organizational effectiveness. HRD develops the key competencies that enable individuals in organizations to perform current and future jobs through planned learning activities.
During the pre-colonial period, organisations such as homes, initiation camps and the Zango (common meeting place for the Luvale men of Northwestern province) needed HRD for them to function effectively. To this effect, the aims of HRD in the pre-colonial period included; to inculcate and nurture good character and to provide skills for the survival of the community. It was also aimed at instilling good health and hygiene in the young members of the community. In addition, HRD provided the Zambian child with adequate knowledge of his or her history, belief systems and culture, thus enabling the learner to be functionally literate in his or her cultural
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