By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, April 19, Mana: Ministry of Education, through Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), has donated 20 bicycles to 20 female teachers in Balaka District as one way of motivating them to teach in the hard to reach areas.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Balaka District Principal Education Officer, Baxter Chakwera, said government has made the initiative as one way of easing mobility challenges teachers in hard to reach areas face when discharging their duties.

He said when female teachers go too hard to reach areas they will motivate learners and the community that it is possible for a girl child to excel in life.

“Apart from the bicycles, these teachers will also be getting a top up allowance of K50,000 and state of the art house with solar electricity that will be built in the schools for the female teachers,” said Chakwera.

According to Chakwera, many hard to reach schools are being shunned which deprives learners from getting quality education.

One of the female teachers who has benefited from the initiative, Shamillah Billy, from Nambira Primary School said the move will motivate more teachers to discharge their duties even in hard to reach areas.

“I was teaching at Mpilisi Primary School, but decided to go to Nambira Primary School and I am the only female teacher at the school.

“The bicycle will go a long way in helping me reach my duty station on time as I am waiting for government to construct a house at the school,” she said.