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Ministry of Education hails MERP for training 10, 352 Teachers on skills development

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Ministry of Education hails MERP for training 10, 352 Teachers on skills development

By Linda Kwanjana

Secretary for the Ministry for Education, Associate Professor Mangani Chilala Katundu has commended Malawi
Education Reforms Program (MERP) for the great achievements registered.

Katundu was speaking in Dedza when he toured Kapalamula , Kampini and Milonde primary schools in Dedza on Friday.

Speaking during the tour the Secretary said MERP programme has helped to train teachers on a number of leadership skills and directly influenced the outcomes.

Mangani Chilala Katundu



He said  MERP has also trained teachers to project management so that they are able to manage projects professionally.

For example the secretary said projects which were taking ages to complete are now being completed within a short period of time, giving an example of a school block that has been erected in six weeks only at Kapalamula.

He says through the program the Ministry has trained contractors across the country with support from the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC).

“This has helped to bring quality of work being done by these projects. Again schools are now buying the building materials jointly hence having access to buy directly from manufacturers.

FOR THE STARTERS

MERP is funded by the Malawi Government, World Bank and Global Partnership for Education (GPE) aimed  at improving learning environments for students in lower primary in government schools.

The project comprises of six components. The first component is aimed at expanding and reforming primary school improvement grants (PSIG) which supports the expansion and reform of PSIG, being a primary source of discretionary finance to schools.

The second component,is to improve learning environments in lower primary to support learning recovery after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will provide finance targeted to schools with exceptional need (MERP SIG), to support construction of low-cost classrooms and latrines, and hiring of auxiliary teachers.

The third component of MERP is to  support girls’ learning environment by among other supporting female learners and improving the numbers of female teachers in schools in remote areas.

The fourth component, is on school leadership program (SLP) which supports the national delivery of an updated SLP supporting head teachers, deputy head teachers, Primary Education Adviser (PEAs), inspectors, and selected female section heads.

Farmers satisfied with Affordable Input Programme progress in Mtengowathenga

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Farmers satisfied with Affordable Input Programme progress in Mtengowathenga



By Burnett Munthali

Farmers in Mtengowathenga, Dowa District, have expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Affordable Input Programme (AIP), a government initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity across Malawi.

The programme, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture’s vision, seeks to ensure that farmers have access to affordable farm inputs such as fertilizer and seeds. This effort is part of the government’s broader strategy to empower smallholder farmers and boost crop yields during the 2024/2025 farming season.

Speaking to local farmers, many shared their gratitude for the timely opening of AIP markets in the area. “We are very pleased with how the programme is being implemented this year. We can now afford the inputs we need to improve our harvests,” said one farmer from Mtengowathenga.

To achieve nationwide coverage, the government has established AIP markets across the country, ensuring that all intended beneficiaries can access the subsidized inputs without unnecessary delays. This decentralized approach has been instrumental in reducing logistical challenges and making inputs available closer to the farmers.

The positive reception in Mtengowathenga reflects the success of the programme’s implementation in Dowa District. Farmers are optimistic that the timely distribution of inputs will contribute to higher crop productivity, food security, and improved livelihoods.

The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers as a cornerstone of its agricultural development agenda. As the 2024/2025 farming season progresses, all eyes will be on how the AIP impacts crop production and contributes to Malawi’s economic growth.

The Affordable Input Programme continues to demonstrate its potential as a transformative initiative for Malawi’s agriculture sector, ensuring that no farmer is left behind.

Testing begins: Breathalysers and speed trap cameras deployed nationwide

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Testing begins: Breathalysers and speed trap cameras deployed nationwide



By Burnett Munthali

In a bold move to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations, Malawi Police Service (MPS) has introduced new tools: breathalysers and speed trap cameras. Reports from Area 30 indicate that these devices, described as NgambwiNgambi by some, have arrived in large numbers and are set to roll out starting Monday across the country.

This development marks a significant step in curbing road accidents, many of which are caused by speeding and drunk driving. The deployment of breathalysers will allow traffic officers to test drivers for alcohol impairment, ensuring that those under the influence are held accountable. Similarly, speed trap cameras will monitor and capture vehicles exceeding speed limits, providing evidence for enforcement.

The introduction of these technologies is expected to revolutionize traffic law enforcement, shifting from manual checks to more precise, evidence-based systems. Authorities believe this will not only deter traffic offenses but also foster discipline among road users.

Motorists, however, are being urged to take cover—not by avoiding the tools but by adhering strictly to traffic regulations. Driving responsibly will not only save them from penalties but also contribute to safer roads for all.

While some have welcomed the initiative as a necessary measure to enhance public safety, others have raised concerns about potential misuse of the technology and the transparency of enforcement. The MPS has assured the public that the tools will be used fairly and professionally to serve the nation’s interests.

As these breathalysers and speed cameras begin their operations on Monday, Malawians will be watching closely to see how effectively they address long-standing challenges in road safety and traffic management.

Lightning claims 34 cows in Mchinji

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Lightning claims 34 cows in Mchinji

By Chisomo Phiri

Tragedy struck Matimba Village under Traditional Authority (T/A) Chioshya in Mchinji District on Wednesday afternoon when a devastating lightning strike killed at least 34 cows.

Mchinji District Animal Health and Livestock Officer Mwiza Msiska confirmed of the tragic event.



“Our veterinary officers are conducting thorough checks to verify the cause of death.

“If lightning is confirmed as the cause, the animals may still be safe for consumption.

“However, we are taking all necessary precautions and conducting standard checks to rule out any other potential causes,” explained Msiska.

Eyewitness Bisayi Makowa recounted the harrowing scene, saying the cows were seeking shelter under a tree when the lightning struck.

“The lightning seemed to target the cows, leaving the tree unscathed,” Makowa described.

Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer(PRO) Limbani Mpinganjira confirming no human fatalities.

“Fortunately, we have received no reports of human casualties,” Mpinganjira said.

The incident has resulted in a significant financial loss, estimated at over K17 million, with each cow valued at approximately K500,000.

Meanwhile,authorities are working to determine whether the cows belonged to multiple owners.

CSAT set to launch nationwide campaign to educate citizens on MPs’ roles

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CSAT set to launch nationwide campaign to educate citizens on MPs’ roles


By Chisomo Phiri

The Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) says it will in January next year launch a nationwide campaign to educate citizens about the roles of Members of Parliament(MPs).

The organization’s Citizen Engagement Manager, Moffat Phiri made the announcement on Thursday in Blantyre during a media orientation for community journalists from the southern region districts of Chiradzulu, Mulanje and Blantyre.

Moffat Phiri

Phiri explained that the campaign is a response to their findings that many people in the country are still unaware of the roles of MPs and the National Assembly.

He said the campaign will be implemented through CSAT’s Parliamentary Support Program, with physical events in 12 districts and media coverage in the remaining 16 districts.

Phiri encouraged the community journalists to promote civic engagement through parliamentary reporting.

He said:”This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap and foster a more informed citizenry, ultimately strengthening the connection between parliament and the public.”

On his part,facilitator Alick Ponje also stressed the media’s importance in fostering transparency and accountability, encouraging community radio journalists to take an active role in promoting civic engagement.

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