By Smart Chalika
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says Malawi has made progress in expanding access to primary education, but has stressed that improving learning outcomes remains a key priority.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Francis Foley, made the remarks in Mchinji during a field visit to Kamuzu Primary School, where he appreciated the implementation of the National Mathematics Curriculum Reform programme and the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) informed remediation pilot aimed at improving foundational learning outcomes in the country.
Foley said that through reforms such as the National Mathematics Curriculum Reform and targeted approaches like Teaching at the Right Level, the government is focusing on ensuring that children acquire the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
He stressed that increasing access to education alone is not enough without improving the quality of learning outcomes among learners.
Deputy British High Commissioner and Development Director Ben Nicholson said foundational literacy and numeracy are essential building blocks for a child’s future and for Malawi’s long-term development.
Nicholson added that the United Kingdom is proud to support government-led reforms that are evidence-based, scalable, and focused on reaching children who are most at risk of being left behind.
Headteacher for Kamuzu Primary School in Mchinji, Steven Malijani, said the introduction of the programme has improved students’ performance in mathematics at the school.
The Ministry of Education pilot programme, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is currently being implemented across the country and complements the structured pedagogy approach under the National Mathematics Curriculum Reform.
