Equals project gives rural schools hope
Education authorities in Phalombe and Chikwawa have expressed hope that Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (Equals) project will improve performance in national examinations in the districts.
Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank under a credit facility of $90 million (about K158 billion), is implementing the project in 13 districts in the country.
The project seeks to upgrade community day secondary schools (CDSSs) with modern facilities such as classroom blocks, science laboratories and libraries.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Goodson Chikoka, head teacher for Migowi CDSS in Phalombe, said the laboratory under construction at the school will improve teaching of science subjects.
“The teachers will be able to do experiments as they will have a conducive structure and apparatus to conduct experiments,” he said.
Form Three student Madalitso Mahere, 16, said the laboratory at the school will motivate learners to work hard.
“We used to admire our friends in conventional secondary schools because they have access to laboratories,” he said.
On her part, Chikwawa district information officer Leah Malimbasa said the laboratory at Nchalo CDSS is an opportunity to level the field for all students.
“This will bridge the gap between rural and urban schools. It will reduce the gap between convention secondary schools and CDSSs, thereby improving the performance of learners in CDSSs,” he said.
Equals project communications specialist Yvonnie Sundu said the initiative seeks to address challenges affecting the delivery of education services in CDSSs in Malawi.
“The government aims to reach out to at least 500 000 secondary school students with instructional materials and improved learning environments through expanded and upgraded school facilities,” she said.
The project started in October 2019 and will run up to December 2025.
