By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, May 7, Mana: Old Mutual handed over a K115 million classroom block at Katete Primary School in Senior Chief Mwahenga in Rumphi on Tuesday which school authorities said will improve the learning environment.

In an interview, Director of Education and Sports for Rumphi, Fides Msowoya, said the structure will improve learning at the school.  

"Learners will now be learning efficiently and comfortably, as they have also been promised desks. Our teachers, as well will have a conducive environment for preparing their lessons with the new office that has been attached to the block and we expect the children to perform well," said Msowoya.

She further said the council would also continue to engage other partners to support other needs at the school, including housing for teachers.

She also said her office would engage relevant committees at the council to consider upgrading the school from a junior primary to a full primary school.

Chairperson for Old Mutual Foundation, Tawonga Manda, said they have built the block to bail out young learners who were walking long distances to school to access education.

Member of parliament for the area, Jappie Mhango, said the classroom block would attract more learners to school.

He also called on partners, including Old Mutual and CARE Malawi who collaborated on the project, to continue supporting them as the Government's resources are not adequate to resolve all challenges.

He further urged Government and development partners to make rural schools attractive for teachers by constructing decent houses for them in order to facilitate quality learning.