By Emily M'mangisa

Zomba, January 31, Mana: Minister of Basic Education Madalitso Kumbauwa Wirima hailed the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) for decongesting learners through the construction of school blocks across Malawi.

Speaking in Zomba this week when she visited Matiya Primary School in Zomba City, the minister observed that the newly constructed school block under MERP provided a conducive learning environment for learners.

He said the Ministry of Education was pleased with the construction of blocks in many primary schools in the country, which has reduced overcrowding in classes.

“There have been a lot of challenges in the sector mainly in basic education where most primary schools lack school blocks, desks, and WASH facilities. I am just very happy that MERP is coming as an intervention,” the minister added, saying better quality education is key to sustainable human development.

Chief Executive Officer for Zomba City Council, Archangel Bakolo expressed gratitude with construction of classroom blocks under MERP.

“MERP has dressed our educational nakedness in the city. Through the project, we have seen construction of school blocks in highly populated schools in Zomba City,” he said.

Head teacher, Nellie Mkwaso said the school block constructed under MERP was a facelift at Matiya.

“I am happy that Matiya has a new face with the construction of the new school block. We had few classrooms, but all is history because the new block has brought good learning environment,” added Mkwaso.

Group Village Head Chikanda also hailed MERP saying the new school block will contribute to quality education for children in the area.

14-year-old girl Chikondi Benson, a standard 7 learner thanked Ministry of Education for identifying Matiya School as a beneficiary of the school block construction project, saying the new block was a motivating factor for girl child education.

Currently, the school has an enrollment of 1,783 learners, 862 boys and 921 girls.

Matiya School at Chikanda Township is among the six primary schools in Zomba Urban that have benefited from MERP.

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