By Rahim Abdul
President of the Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) and Maranatha Academy General Manager, Dr. Ernest Kaonga, has come out strongly in support of the government’s plan to introduce free education in public primary and secondary schools, describing the move as “very possible and sustainable.”
Speaking with optimism and confidence, Dr. Kaonga said Malawi has the capacity to make education free if there is transparency, accountability and a hardworking spirit in the system.
“It’s all about transparency and hardworking spirit. At a private institution like Maranatha, we have 500 students on scholarship enjoying free education so what more public schools with government support? As PRISAM President and Maranatha Director, I believe it is very possible and sustainable. We are in full support of this,” said Dr. Kaonga.
His remarks come in response to the recent announcement by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who declared that starting from January 2026, education in all government primary and secondary schools will be free.
The development has sparked excitement across the nation with many Malawians seeing it as a bold step toward reducing school dropouts and promoting equal access to education.
Dr. Kaonga emphasized that Malawi’s private sector already plays a major role in supporting education, citing examples of schools that offer scholarships to underprivileged students through internal resources and partnerships.
He also noted that if the government strengthens financial management and cuts unnecessary spending, funds can be redirected to support this initiative effectively.
Education activists have hailed both the President and PRISAM for aligning efforts towards building an inclusive education system.
As the country prepares for the January 2026 rollout, expectations are high that Malawi could finally achieve a milestone in providing free, quality and accessible education for all.
“If private institutions can do it, government schools can do even better because this is not a dream, it’s a reality waiting to happen,” Dr. Kaonga added confidently.
