By Wakisa Myamba

Karonga, March 24, Mana: Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, is impressed with construction projects under Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (EQUALS) project in Karonga.

Kambauwa said this Friday when she toured Maghemo Secondary School and Karonga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in the district to appreciate the on-going construction of laboratories at the two institutions.

EQUALS project is meant to improve quality of science and mathematics in CDSSs and to increase access to secondary education in selected remote areas.

“In most CDSSs, students have been performing poorly mostly in science subjects due to lack of science laboratories. The ministry came up with a policy in which we want schools to have minimum essential infrastructure package such as laboratories.

"The importance of these projects is that schools will benefit from science laboratories which they never had. Students will be able to carry out full time laboratory experiments that will put them on an equal footing with national secondary schools,” she said.

During the tour, the minister also interacted with students from both Maghemo and Karonga CDSS, advising them on the importance of hard work and the need to listen to authorities throughout their education.

The minister also warned students against vandalism of school properties and indulging in sexual relationships.  

Head Teacher for Karonga CDSS, Howard Kumwenda, applauded government for implementing EQUALS project in the district, saying it will alleviate challenges CDSSs encountered due to lack of laboratories.