Norwegian Aid Groups Train 80 Early Childhood Educators in Malawi
The initiative aligns with Malawi2063 development goals, focusing on early childhood education as a foundation for national progress.
NTCHISI, Malawi — The Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid (NCA/DCA) have completed a two-week training program for 80 early childhood development (ECD) caregivers from Mchinji and Rumphi districts, part of their Transform Project funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, writes Esther Banda.
The training, conducted from Nov. 4–15 at Campas Lodge in Mchinji, brought together government facilitators from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare to enhance teaching capabilities across 42 ECD centres.
"If the child is developed, it means that they can be able to develop their lives, their families, their communities, their district, as well as the nation at large," said Martin Pindankono, Director of Economic Planning and Development at Mchinji District Council, who served as guest of honour.
Pindankono emphasised the need for well-trained caregivers, noting that most are volunteers with only secondary education.
"We still need to build capacity so that they can be able to develop our children," he said.
For some participants, the training marked their first formal education in childhood development.
"I have been a caregiver since 2016 but I have never trained before. I'm proud and too excited that I am now a fully qualified caregiver," said Doreen Chiyesa, a caregiver from Mchinji District.
Chiyesa acknowledged that the training revealed gaps in their previous teaching methods.
"The training has helped us so much to realise what we are supposed to teach our children," she said.
Tiyezge Kalima, Nutrition Specialist for NCA/DCA, expressed confidence in the project's sustainability despite its scheduled conclusion next year.
"We are working hand in hand with our government counterparts, so we are sure that the interventions we have done are going to continue," Kalima said.
The Transform Project extends beyond teacher training, including infrastructure development, providing water access, and implementing drip irrigation farming systems at ECD centres.
Of the 80 participants, 60 caregivers represented 32 centres in Mchinji district, while 20 came from 10 centres in Rumphi district.
The initiative aligns with Malawi2063 development goals, focusing on early childhood education as a foundation for national progress.