By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, June 24, Mana: Authorities at Mwambazi Primary School under Mpamba Education Zone in Nkhata Bay have lauded Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) programme for improving learner’s numeracy skills at the school.

In an interview on the sidelines of an open day on Saturday, Head teacher for the school, Morson Banda, said learner’s performance at the school has improved with the advent of BEFIT programme.

"In mathematics, learners are now able to do calculations correctly because of the tablets they were given. As a result, their numeracy skills have greatly improved which has in turn led to good performance in all other subjects," Banda said.

According to Banda, the program has also added more value to the education system because it is encouraging learners to work hard while at the same time it reduced absenteeism as learners are excited with the electronic gadgets.

He bemoaned poor roads and telecommunication networks which he said are derailing smooth implementation of the program.

BEFIT Programme Manager for OSSEDI responsible for Nkhotakota and Nkhata Bay, Mian Mpesi, said the programme which started in 2023 is expected to be rolled out in all primary schools in the Nkhata Bay by 2029.

"Out of 201 public primary schools in Nkhata Bay, we have started with 29 schools but the idea is to have all the public primary schools reached by 2029," she said.

Nkhata Bay District Commissioner, Rodgers Newa, said the program is beneficial as it prepares literacy and numeracy skills for children at the early stages.

"So far, teachers in the few schools where we have this programme can testify that the literacy and numeracy skills of learners have greatly improved. That is an indication that this program is bearing fruits," Newa said.

BEFIT Programme is being implemented across the country with financial support from Malawi Government, Imagine Worldwide, VSO and One billion.