By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, January 30, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has said Government is committed to improve the teaching and learning environment for primary and secondary schools in the country.

Wirima made the sentiments on Wednesday when she toured the newly constructed classrooms and toilets under Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) at Ferry Primary School in Balaka District.

According to the Minister, the construction of over 10,000 classrooms under MERP across the country will help to reduce the challenge of congestion in both primary and secondary schools.

"I am very excited to see that the project is bearing fruits as now our children can enjoy learning in modern classrooms here at Ferry Primary School. Government believes this will help schools serve more children", she said.

She added that MERP has helped to create a conducive learning environment that has also enabled learners to perform well in their education.

She said: "It is the utmost goal of Government to improve the primary and secondary education in the country and it is for this reason that we have also previously employed over 4,000 auxiliary teachers in primary schools"

Wirima therefore called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the education sector to provide adequate teaching and learning materials in order to further improve education in Malawi.

Meanwhile, Chairperson for Balaka District Council, Pharao Kambiri has applauded Government for putting primary and secondary education at heart saying it will help to brighten the future of children in the district.

He said the council will continue working tirelessly and collectively to improve the education of children in Balaka.

Funded by the World Bank and the Global Partnership on Education (GPE), MERP has been implemented for over four years across the country to improve the learning environment in the lower education sector.