By Gift Chiponde

Chitipa, March 10, Mana: Communities in Chitipa have commended government for constructing and completing new school blocks under the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), a development expected to significantly enhance quality education in the district.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Village Headman Chitala 2 from the area of Senior Chief Mwaulambya described the completion of a school block at Chimwemwe Full Primary School as a major milestone that will provide a better learning environment for learners.

"We have been struggling with classroom shortages, but with these new blocks provided by the government through MERP, our learners will now learn in a proper setting," he said.

He further pledged to continue sensitizing the community on the importance of maintaining the new infrastructure.

"I will engage parents on how we can preserve this project. This is a great development for us in Chitala 2," he added.

Chimwemwe Full Primary School Mother Group Vice Chairperson, Loveness Mtambo, stated that the new classroom block will provide a safer and more comfortable learning space for girls by reducing congestion.

"Many girls miss school due to overcrowding, especially during their monthly periods. The new school block will help improve attendance," she said.

She also highlighted that the school will benefit from the newly constructed toilet facilities under the same project, which will promote better hygiene, particularly among girls.

"We are grateful to the government for this development, which will likely increase girls' enrollment in primary schools across the district," she added.

Geoffrey Siyeni, a member of the Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) Committee, welcomed the project, emphasising its role in improving learners' well-being.

"We have faced significant challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, especially during extreme weather conditions. Many learners were forced to miss classes, leading to poor performance," he said.

Secretary for the School Management Committee at Lwambo Full Primary School, another beneficiary of the project, expressed his excitement for the construction of the classrooms.

“This project has eased congestion in our classrooms. Community is excited about the new infrastructure because of its impressive design and durability," he said.

Ramsey Ghambi, a Standard 8 learner at Chimwemwe Primary School, said the new classrooms will help to address the long-standing issue of classroom shortages.

"Lack of space has been a major factor in school dropouts. This new development will encourage more learners to stay in school," he said.

Lwambo Primary School Headteacher, Estone Ng’ambi, praised the initiative saying the project came when the school urgently needed additional classrooms.

"As a way of safeguarding this development, we already have existing by-laws and regulations in place to protect the infrastructure and ensure it continues to serve future generations," he said.

He commended government for constructing child-friendly and modern classrooms, which have also helped to improve teacher learners ratio.

Loveness Kayuni, a Standard 7 learner at Lwambo Primary School, described the new classrooms as impressive and highly beneficial.

"I encourage my fellow learners to take care of this beautiful infrastructure. It will help us achieve our dreams. Let’s avoid vandalizing school property, as such acts are not only destructive but also against the law," she said.

Director of Education and Sport for Chitipa District, McGiven Chinyamula, stated that the district has so far benefited from the construction of 40 school blocks, with nine already completed in the first phase.

He commended government for the initiative, stating that it is likely to improve the learning environment and provide quality time for teachers in managing learners.

Chinyamula also highlighted that, through the program, the district has benefited from the employment of 84 auxiliary teachers that will improve education in the district.

"I am very grateful that government has also considered employing teachers. This development will tremendously improve education standards in Chitipa," he said.

He further appealed government to consider constructing teachers houses in the district, a move that would help reduce accommodation challenges faced by rural teachers.