Malawi Education Minister Lauds Progress in National Exam Participation
The minister addressed ongoing challenges in the education sector, announcing plans to construct 10,900 classroom blocks nationwide to alleviate overcrowding in primary schools.
NSANJE, Malawi— Education Minister Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima expressed satisfaction Wednesday with the administration of ongoing Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations, noting a significant increase in student participation, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
During a visit to Nyamadzere Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Nsanje, Wirima highlighted the doubling of exam candidates in the district compared to last year.
"In 2023 Nsanje had 1,000 plus candidates and this year there are 2,000 plus sitting for the MSCE," Wirima said, interpreting the increase as a sign of students' commitment to completing their secondary education.
The minister addressed ongoing challenges in the education sector, announcing plans to construct 10,900 classroom blocks nationwide to alleviate overcrowding in primary schools.
"We would like to reduce the teacher to learners ratio which is higher in some primary schools," she said.
Learh Zambasa Nyowadi, headteacher at Nyamadzere CDSS, welcomed the minister's visit and her assurance to complete a girls' hostel at the school.
"Female students are the victims of traveling long distances to school which affects their education," Nyowadi said.
Nyamadzere CDSS has 242 candidates taking the MSCE examinations this year.
Wirima's tour also included visits to Kadabwako and Magoti Community Day Secondary Schools in Nsanje, demonstrating the government's commitment to monitoring and improving educational standards across the region.