Malawi education ministry reports progress in open distance, e-learning initiatives
The ministry's efforts aim to broaden educational opportunities across Malawi, leveraging technology to reach more students.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi Ministry of Education says its strategies are advancing open distance and e-learning activities, particularly through the Malawi College of Distance Education (MCDE), writes Esther Banda.
Dr. Mangani Katundu, Secretary for the Ministry of Education, addressed the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology on Thursday, urging Malawians to view open distance education as equal to traditional learning methods.
"Currently, we have over 715 Open Secondary Schools with about 96,220 enrolled candidates. They access the same quality services we used to provide under the Distance Education Colleges," Katundu said.
The ministry is expanding access to education through digitalization and free online learning resources, he added.
Ephraim Nayeja, Vice Chairperson of the committee, pledged to seek additional funding during the November 2024 Mid-term Budget review to address the ministry's financial challenges.
"We will support funding issues, not only with allocations but also by highlighting disbursement concerns," Nayeja said.
The ministry's efforts aim to broaden educational opportunities across Malawi, leveraging technology to reach more students.
However, funding remains a key obstacle to fully realizing these initiatives.