Machinga, May 31, Mana: Ministry of Education has launched Malawi Education Reform Programme (MEREP), a school leadership initiative, which aims at expanding access, improving quality education and performance of the primary schools’ sub-sectors.

Speaking during the launch at Hippo View Lodge in Machinga district, the Minister responsible Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima said the programme which is being implemented in all primary schools in the country, will instill leadership management skills in primary school leaders.

"We are rolling out this MEREP to 10, 200 individuals in all categories across the country. Mainly we are targeting Head teachers, Deputy Head teacher's and sections heads with mostly bias towards women.

“On the leadership programme, we are seeking to address several issues such as inclusiveness in schools by ensuring that women are not left behind including record keeping to consolidate data and teacher motivation," explained Wirima.

Wirima further disclosed that the programme will also include the construction of school blocks which will commence soon to address shortages of classrooms in primary schools.

She added,” we are going to construct 10, 900 classroom blocks in 3553 schools among other components and the construction work will commence as soon as procurement processes are finalized.

Meanwhile, head teacher for Kaombe Primary School in Ntcheu district Wasuzgika Simakwa commended the Ministry for the programme saying it will help to improve quality of education in primary schools across the country.

"This will help to reduce congestion in schools since we are forced to have larger population of children in one class especially during the rainy season, a situation which is not conducive for learning," said Simakwa.

The programme which is being funded by the World bank, Global partnership in education and Malawi government was established in 2021 and will be completed in 2025.

Mana/MC/tv/scm