Ministry of Education Commends DAPP for Promoting Quality Education
The Ministry of Education through Thyolo District Education Office has commended Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Malawi for the commitment it has shown in promoting quality education in the district through implementation of various education programs.
Thyolo, the District Education Manager (DEM) Godfrey Kumbwese said that the district is privileged to have Amalika Teacher Training College in the district as it trains teachers who are committed to become teachers in the rural primary schools, where they are very much needed. The training which is taking place at DAPP colleges is unique as it does not only train the teachers to become qualified primary school teachers but also give them skills in community development such as women’s community leaders and entrepreneuship.
Besides these, he said Thyolo district benefits from the DAPP’s 400 Primary Schools program through innovative approaches which the program introduces.
400 Primary Schools is a DAPP Malawi education program that allows teachers graduated from DAPP TTCs to stick together, meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge on how they can improve the environment around their schools as a network. The program started in 2012 and currently it comprises of 80 teachers who are teaching in 69 rural primary schools across Malawi.
“The DAPP Graduated teachers who form the 400 Primary Schools regularly meet to discuss best practices in the teaching and learning methods, prepare teaching and learning resources. They also produce primary school mock examinations which greatly assist in preparing our candidates for National Examinations which are written to enable them enter secondary school. In some schools, they have introduced school vegetable gardens and woodlots which benefit both the schools and surrounding communities.” Said Kumbwese
“ There is need to intensify sensitization to the development partners on the importance of the programme so that they can support it to reach more schools in the country as this will help in improving the quality of education in our primary schools,” he added.
