Teacher training college excites Rumphi CSOs

 Rumphi Civil Society Organisations Network has expressed excitement with the construction of Rumphi Teacher Training College, saying it will help produce teachers to fill vacancies in the education sector.

The network’s representative on education George Mlowoka said this yesterday in an interview following Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima’s visit to the institution on Thursday.

He said: “The college has opened opportunities for Rumphi and the country at large as it has increased chances for young people from the district to access tertiary education which probably would have been minimal if we did not have this institution.”

Mlowoka said the problem of shortage of teachers in the district and the country will also be addressed as the institution joins other existing ones in training teachers.

“Besides training teachers, people in the district have benefitted through jobs as some are working as cooks, security guards and many more,” he said.

During her visit on Thursday, Wirima said the college will enhance education standards in the country as it will train teachers who will join the education sector.

She said she was impressed with the quality of structures at the institution, including staff houses and classrooms which she said will provide a conducive teaching and learning environment.

Wirima said apart from landscaping, most of the works have been completed.

“Some staff houses have been occupied, the lecture rooms fitted with furniture and the kitchen is ready,” she said.

 Wirima said plans were underway to upgrade the college to offer diploma in education. Currently, the institution will only issue certificates in primary school education.

The college’s principal Wisdom Nkhoma said they were impressed with students’ discipline and hunger to learn since the college opened its doors in May this year.

The college has 583 students against its full capacity of 600