The article explores the influence of traditions on the realisation of Education for All (EFA). It is based on the study which was carried out among the Baila people of Namwala district in the Southern Province of Zambia. The article identifies four main traits or beliefs of the Baila and demonstrates how these traditional practices and traits have negatively impacted on the actualisation of Education for All in Namwala. The article intends to show that for any developmental interventions to take place, it is imperative that the local people's cultures and traditions are taken into consideration.