Plan launches K700.5m schools infrastructure project

Plan International Malawi on Monday launched a 810 000 euros (about K700.5 million) project to construct teachers houses, toilets and classroom blocks at Malikha and Mkoma primary schools in Lilongwe.

The two schools, which are in Traditional Authority Chimutu, are among schools with high enrolment, huge teacher-pupil ratio and few teachers houses.

“Mkoma Primary School needs 30 more classrooms while Malikha needs 15 more classrooms to achieve the national standard ratio of 60 pupils per classroom. This means learning conditions in the two schools are poor,” said Plan International Malawi country director Daniel Muchena.

He said in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, there is need to improve access to quality education which is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

SDG4 emphasises ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all while SDG6 calls for availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Mkoma Primary School head teacher Bridget Kampira admitted the shortage of classrooms, huge pupil-teacher ratio and insufficient teachers’ houses.

“We have 2 826 learners here against 16 classrooms and 36 teachers,” said Kampira. n