By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, February 15, Mana: The Headteacher for Gwengere Primary School in Dedza, Sandram Nachiola highlighted the importance of coming into the Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) programme at their school saying it will contribute to an educated community as learners at the school will have strong educational foundational skills contributing to their success throughout their academic journey.

Speaking at the end of a two-day teacher training on the BEFIT programme, Nachiola expressed optimism that once rolled out, table-based learning will enable Standard 1-4 learners to acquire literacy and numeracy skills.

“With this programme, we are expecting to witness retention of those who dropped out of school since they will get attracted by the tablets, cases of absenteeism will also be dealt with as learners will not want to miss the tablets. I will ensure that technology-based learning is fully embraced by all teachers” he said.

Nachiola Commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the BEFIT programme for training all the teachers at the school, arguing if a designated teacher is absent, any teacher will be able to handle the lessons for that day.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera said government remains committed to reducing learning poverty hence the rolling out of BEFIT programme throughout the country with a target of reaching all 6000 public schools by 2029.

“In schools where BEFIT is running, cases of absenteeism have reduced and there is an improvement in literacy and numeracy levels among learners who are now used to interactive tablet-based learning” he stated.

The BEFIT programme will continue to roll out to new schools each year and is expected to reach full scale serving all 6,000 Malawi primary schools by 2029