Education Sector Addresses Challenges in Annual Joint Sector Review Meeting
The meeting operated under the theme "Transforming Educational Learning and Skills Development for a Wealthy, Self-Reliant, and Resilient Nation."
Lilongwe, Malawi - Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa, has acknowledged the significant challenge of a wider teacher-pupil ratio within the education system, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
Mussa emphasized that the government shares this concern and is actively working to address this issue by recruiting more teachers.
Speaking during the two-day annual Education Joint Sector Review (JSR) Meeting at the Bingu International Convention Center in Lilongwe, Mussa stated that education is a priority sector for the government, supporting its ambitious development goals.
While recognizing the progress made in the education system, Mussa expressed optimism that the JSR meeting would help tackle the challenges, particularly in the early grades.
She emphasized that the forum's purpose is to identify shortcomings and develop strategies to address the issues raised.
Esmie Kadzamira, a research fellow at the Center for Education Research and Training at the University of Malawi, stressed the need for improving the quality of education in lower grades by providing better-trained teachers and additional classrooms.
Kadzamira pointed to a 40-year analysis showing that there has been little change in children's progress, particularly in lower primary school classes.
Kadzamira highlighted a concerning dropout rate, stating, "When children begin in standard 1, by standard 2, we have lost almost 20% of them either they are repeating grade 1 or they have dropped out."
She continued to explain that by the time students reach standard four, about 60% of enrollment has been lost due to dropouts.
The two-day meeting brought together various stakeholders, including development partners, senior government officials, civil society organizations, and members of the corporate world.
The primary focus was on sharing insights and taking actions to advance the country's education sector.
The meeting operated under the theme "Transforming Educational Learning and Skills Development for a Wealthy, Self-Reliant, and Resilient Nation."