By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: Director of Education, Youth and Sports in Mangochi, Ireen Kawale, says government's provision of 511 primary school blocks through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) will increase learners' enrollment.

Kawale said some of the blocks have already been completed and are currently being used across the district adding learning under trees as well as overcrowding will soon be history.

She was speaking Wednesday when Malawi News Agency (MANA) visited the district to appreciate progress of the work, which has provided the district with 1,022 classrooms from the 511 blocks.

“For years, our learners have been learning in overcrowded and poorly structured classrooms which affected their concentration and overall performance. With these new classroom blocks, learning conditions have greatly improved. We are optimistic that this will lead to better academic results,” said Kawale.

Mchoka Primary School located in Traditional Authority (TA) Mponda is one of the schools that has benefited from MERP.

A visit to the school found that learners have already started using the new classes.

“This infrastructure could not meet the high demand for education services needed by the surrounding villages. We are grateful for this gesture from government as the new classrooms are providing a conducive learning environment for pupils. This will result in having more educated citizens who will contribute to the country’s development,” said Lyford Mkombe, headteacher for the school.

Mkombe emphasized the importance of adequate educational facilities and positive nurturing so that children can bring out their unique talents and potential.

On his part, Group Village Head Malunda, urged the community to take care of the infrastructure to stand the test of time.

“As for the community, we can only show appreciation for this gesture by taking good care of the facility.

“I call upon each one of us to ensure safety of this school by educating others to keep it clean and in good condition, and reporting all forms of vandalism to relevant authorities,” said Malunda.

Fatila Frank, a Standard 7 learner at the school said the classroom blocks have provided an opportunity for her to receive quality education that will prepare her for opportunities and challenges of the future.

“Previously, when it rains learning process was disturbed and we were forced to go home without learning but with these new classrooms, things have changed,” she said.