By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, April 29, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa on Tuesday officially handed over a K115 million Same Teachers Development Centre (TDC) on Chizumulu Island in Likoma.

Kambauwa noted that teachers at Same Primary School were using a classroom block before the TDC was constructed.

She said the infrastructure will help uplift educational standards on Chizumulu Island.

“I am very happy to handover the TDC where teachers can use for their development activities. Teachers will no longer use a classroom block as a TDC which is an anomaly because it means that students were being disadvantaged, they had their classroom taken away,” said Kambauwa.

She also noted that teachers from the island encounter some challenges, which needs to be looked into such as transport costs when they need services from the mainland, hence the need for hardship allowances and promotions.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma Constituency, Ashems Songwe said he was overwhelmed by the Minister’s visit, being a second visit to Likoma District by a Minister of Education since 1966.

“The minister has landed on Chizumulu Island on such a historic visit after 59 years since the last minister of education visited. We are pleased that she has conducted a tour to appreciate the projects that have been taking place for the past five years,” said Songwe.

Director of Education and Sports for Likoma District, Zimulange Mhango thanked Government for the provision of the infrastructure such as classroom blocks, libraries, TDC, among others in the district.

However, he noted several challenges in the education sector that need to be addressed, including the absence of a district education office, inadequate school toilets, and the lack of a vehicle.