By Mercy Matonga & Imam Wali
President Lazarus Chakwera has reiterated that his government will introduce digital learning using tablets in all primary schools across the country.
Use of the gadgets is being piloted in some schools with support from development partners, before it can be scaled up to all primary schools.
Speaking in Dedza, where he launched the construction of 10,900 classrooms under the Malawi Education Reforms Programme (Merp), funded by the World Bank, Chakwera said the initiative will equip children with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape.
He said primary school education is key to the raising of a well-educated generation.
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“We cannot merely discuss the improvement of education without establishing essential frameworks that support quality education,” the President said.
He urged families to be at the forefront in caring for their children.
World Bank Country Director Hugh Riddell bemoaned the high school dropout rates in Malawi, especially rural areas.
He then expressed optimism that the new school blocks will address the problem of congestion in primary schools.
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“As of now, 60 percent of the schools in the country have over 90 learners in one classroom. The new classrooms will reduce the numbers by half,” Riddell said.
Secretary for Education Chikondano Mussa said the ministry has put in place measures of ensuring sustainability of the tablets that are being introduced.
She said about 200 primary schools have already received the electronic devices, with plans to equip all schools in the country by 2029.
Funded by the World Bank to the tune of K150 billion, Merp’s development objective is to improve learning environments for learners in lower primary in government schools.
It comprises six components including expanding and expanding and reforming primary school improvement grants, improving learning environments and supporting girls’ learning.
