By Mphatso Nkuonera
More institutions have been called upon to rally behind the Ministry of Education in order to provide high quality education services to the nation.
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima made the remarks on Tuesday, at Mbayani Primary School in Blantyre when she presided over a handover ceremony of classroom blocks built by Nico Group of Company.
“We need more partners to build more classroom blocks for us in order to meet the teacher-pupil ratio of 1:60 at primary school. This school is the biggest in Malawi with an enrollment of over 7,000 learners and Nico’s gesture is timely to decongest the classrooms.
“I must ask you all here, the Local Chief in particular to guard this property against any vandalism. It pains hugely to see all these efforts been done today mercilessly and carelessly burnt to ashes because of very trivia issues,” Wirima said.
Speaking earlier, Managing Director for Nico Group, Vizenge Kumwenda said the construction of the classroom blocks is a clear indication of their commitment to complement the Government in the education sector.
According to ERIS Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Chipinduka Nyasulu, the twin one-storey classroom block which has been built at the cost of MK300 Million will increase learning space at the school by accomodating 240 learners.
NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, joins many other companies and Non-governmental organisations and individuals in complementing Government’s efforts.
The Minister was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Director for Basic Education, Grace Milner, the Blantyre District Education Manager, Annita Kaliwu.
Also available was Blantyre City Council Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Chinsewu, Group Village Head Magasa and Councilor for Mbayani Ward, Mngerezi Chinthuli among the many senior citizens who witnessed the handover ceremony.
