By Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, November 2, Mana: Ministry of Education Director of Basic Education, Grace Milner has described primary school teachers as the heart of the education system upon which learners’ lifelong learning and character are built upon.

Milner made the remarks, Friday at Njewa Primary School during the best award event ceremony of Education Managers, teachers and schools that performed well in the 2024/25 academic calendar in Lilongwe Rural West Education Division.

“Primary education forms the cornerstone of every child’s learning journey and behind this phase of discovery are teachers like you. Your commitment to nurturing potential, sparking curiosity and inspiring confidence for the learners to become future leaders cannot be overstated,” she said.

Milner said government through the Ministry of Education is committed to creating an environment where every teacher feels valued, motivated and equipped to thrive.

“Our goal is to ensure that teachers have access to professional development opportunities, additional resources and the support they need to overcome the challenges. We are advocating for more robust resource allocations, improved classroom environments, and continuous teacher professional development,” she said.

In her remarks, Director of Education and Sports, Sophia Mthiko said they organized the awards as one way of encouraging and motivating teachers and learners to continue doing well in their education.

Mthiko said the event targeted schools that produced a 100 percent passing rate and urged other schools to emulate the gesture.

One of the teachers who got the award Harriet Chitanda from Khanda primary school thanked the education office for the initiative, saying it will go a long way in motivating and encouraging teachers and learners in their education.

“This is a morale booster. It has never happened in the district before. I am so happy for this initiative,” she said.

Lilongwe Rural West Education Division has 261 primary schools and 223 schools participated in the   Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination, out of which 77 schools produced a 100 percent pass rate.

The schools, Education Managers and Teachers went home with certificate of recognition and cash.