By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, is making significant strides in transforming rural education.
A prime example is Chazinga Primary School in Phalombe, where over 22,000 learners from more than nine surrounding villages are reaping the benefits of seven new classroom blocks, teachers’ houses, toilets, and changing rooms for girls. This project has dramatically improved learning conditions and teacher welfare.
According to Headmaster Waile Chirumpha, teachers are now more comfortable, no longer having to walk long distances to work. Classes can also continue smoothly, regardless of weather challenges.
Group Village Head Ingileni Bottomani and PTA Chairperson Godfrey Matita praised the project, recalling the difficult past when pupils had to learn under trees.
They appreciated the community’s contribution of sand and bricks to support the construction.
Nationally, the Ministry is building 414 teachers’ houses across Malawi to address the shortage of staff accommodation, a key factor driving teachers away from rural schools.
Initially slowed by currency devaluation, this effort is now back on track, thanks to funding from the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) and partnerships with Press Trust and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). An additional 45 semi-detached houses are also being constructed.
In response to damage caused by recent tropical cyclones, the Ministry, with support from KfW, is reconstructing 28 classroom blocks, 22 teachers’ houses, latrines, and boreholes in 13 districts.
Students like Mayankho Lisila at Chazinga Primary School are thrilled with the developments, which mean fewer absences, especially for girls who now have changing rooms to support them during their menstrual cycle.
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has emphasized the ministry’s commitment to digitalizing education in Malawi, ensuring access to the internet and electrification of schools.
This initiative aims to produce skilled human capital essential for achieving Malawi’s 2063 development aspirations.
President Lazarus Chakwera has also highlighted the government’s efforts in improving access to quality education, including constructing teachers’ training colleges, recruiting teachers, and expanding Community Day Secondary Schools.
These efforts demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to creating safe, resilient, and accessible learning spaces for all Malawian children.
