By Leah Malimbasa

Chikwawa, February 27, Mana: Chikwawa District Council on Monday awarded best performing teachers, schools and Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) for their outstanding contributions for the 2023 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations.

Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Chikwawa Mkombezi, graced the event at Chikwawa Secondary School Hall and said government was commitment to improve quality education in the country.

“Government’s desire is to inspire teachers to work diligently towards improving education standards. All we need is collective efforts because this can only be achieved if we work together,” she added.

The minister went on to share the government's ambitious plans for the education sector to improve.

“President Lazarus Chakwera has pledged to construct 3,108 classrooms, 243 toilets, and ICT Centre’s in the district this year. This highlights government's commitment to infrastructural development aimed at creating a conducive learning environment,” she said.

Acknowledging the significance of local initiatives, Mia also mentioned that the increment of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to K200 million will enable MPs to construct additional classrooms in their respective constituencies.

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Chikwawa, Nardin Kamba, expressed gratitude to the minister for gracing the occasion, saying her presence testified significance of collective commitment to education in Chikwawa.

“We, as a council, have set a bold challenge for the district's education sector to ascend from our current position 24 in the 2023 PSLCE rankings and go up the top 10 best-performing districts nationally. Together we can turn this vision into reality.

“In the journey towards progress, it's imperative to recognize that the development of nations begins with a strong foundation in education, so our commitment to this cause is paramount for the prosperity of our district and the nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Lundu has requested that teachers’ welfare should be prioritized, emphasizing the need to increase teacher salaries.

Mia has assured the Paramount Chief that she will deliver the message to the Minister of Education and advocate for better remuneration the teachers.

Some of the categories for the awards included best performing schools with most students selected to national secondary schools where Nchalo CCAP Primary School scooped first position and best performing head teacher with highest A grades during 2023 PSLCE examinations, which was also won by head teacher for Nchalo CCAP Primary School, Alice Dinda.

The awardees received cash, certificates of recognition and trophies.