At around 9am in Salima, the school day is already underway. But instead of classrooms filled with learners, parts of the town tell a different story as children move between trading points, some engaged in small businesses, others lingering around games of chance.
These are scenes that raise difficult questions about Malawi’s free education policy. Has it truly removed barriers to learning, or has it simply shifted the burden elsewhere?
Malawi’s free education policy was introduced to widen access and reduce financial barriers for learners. Officially, tuition fees in public primary and secondary schools were scrapped, aligning with national and continental aspirations under Agenda 2063 for inclusive education.
But in practice, access to classrooms does not always translate into attendance.
In Salima District, a spot check revealed that while school gates remain open, some children remain outside them as they are pulled between poverty, household responsibilities and informal income-generating activities.
A 12-year-old boy (name withheld to protect identity), who was expected to be in Standard 4 at Chimweta Primary School, says he has never started school this term.
His reason is simple: no learning materials. “I am here just to have leisure time as I cannot go to school without exercise books. My parents said they will buy them when they find money,” he said.
While tuition is covered under the policy, essential learning materials such as exercise books, uniforms and sometimes exam-related costs remain a challenge for many households.
In another case, Zione Tebulo (not her real name), who should be in Form 3 at Msalura Secondary School, spends her days selling mandasi to support her household. Her absence from school is not framed as disinterest, but as economic necessity
“I have been selling mandasi during holidays so we get food, but it is not enough. I am planning to go back to school next year if things go well,” she said.
Education officials acknowledge progress, but also point to persistent gaps beyond tuition fees.
Principal Education Officer for Salima District, Eliam Banda, says the free education policy has improved enrollment and reduced dropout rates, but admits that government efforts alone are not enough.
Banda argues that while government has removed tuition barriers, community-level responsibility remains critical in ensuring children are prepared and supported to learn.
“Parents need to attend school meetings and engage with schools. Chiefs should also support enforcement of by-laws to ensure children are in school and discourage practices such as child labour and early marriages,” he said.
Education analyst Victor Chikoti from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) says the policy’s success depends on more than access as it requires full ecosystem support.
“All stakeholders thus parents, teachers, chiefs and government must work together. People must be at the centre of implementation if the policy is to succeed,” he said.
He adds that awareness and accountability mechanisms at community level are key to ensuring resources translate into real classroom participation.
According to Malawi’s Vision 2063 Agenda, education is a key enabler for cultivating a productive, knowledge based and skilled economy but the gap between policy intention and household reality remains.
By Chikondano Haward
