Government needs K9 billion for learning materials
The government has said it needs over K9 billion to replace learners text books which were destroyed by the Cyclone Idai early this year.
Vice-President Everton Chimulirenji, who is also Minister of Disaster Management Affairs, said this when he received $40,000 (about K30 million) worth of teaching and learning materials from the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in Chiradzulu District over the weekend.
Chimulirenji said the government needs $12.4 (over K9 billion) to replace text books which were destroyed by the cyclone alone.
“The total effects of floods on education sector are estimated at $21 million where damages are $20.3 million, and losses make up $750, 000. Much of the damage cost came from teachers and learners’ material kits, followed by teachers’ houses and toilets. This is why I am describing this donation as special and thoughtful,” he said.
Chimulirenji said the education sector is one of the hardest hit by the cyclone early this year.
“The Post Disaster Needs Assessment report indicated that the March 2019 Cyclone Idai-induced-floods caused damages to 154 out of 2,460 public primary schools and 455 out of 7318 Early Child Development Centers,” he said.
Chimulirenji also reported that over 5,500 desks were destroyed by the 2019 floods while 967 toilet facilities which were used by learners collapsed due to heavy rains and flooding.
He then commended Unesco for the support further warning that the government will not tolerate any mischief on management and use of the donated materials.
Speaking earlier, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Justin Saidi, who is also Chairperson of the Malawi National Commission for Unesco said materials will assist in provision of quality education in the affected schools.
