In continuation with the inspection exercise of various projects, the Deputy Minister of Education Hon. Nancy Chaola Mdooko M.P, today (4thSeptember), was at Linthipe in Dedza, inspecting construction of classroom blocks and hostels respectively, at Dzenza and Linthipe Community Day Secondary Schools.
She was accompanied by the Director for Secondary Education, Dr. Florida Banda, Central West Education Division Manager, Joseph Nkhata and other senior officials from the ministry.
Mdooko has since encouraged parents, Local Leaders, Traditional Leaders and school Management Committees to rally behind government in promoting girl child education.
Member of Parliament for Dedza Central East, Hon. Joshua Malango, commended government for considering erecting hostels in the area, saying it will significantly help in reducing girls from dropping out of school due to pregnancies.
Malango said, “This development is coming from the excellent leadership of the His Excellency the President Dr Lazarus Cahkwera, to make education accessible to every child in line with MW2063 Agenda”
The Deputy Minister’s visit in Dedza was done barely three days after carrying out similar inspection exercise in Rumphi on Friday, September 1st, at Jalira and Matunkha Community Day Secondary Schools.
Under the benevolent wings of the Secondary Education Expansion for Development (SEED) project, Matunkha Secondary School is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with progress soaring to an impressive 93 per cent. The ambitious initiative encompasses the construction of two modern classroom blocks, the establishment of twelve toilets, a well-equipped library, the establishment of a cutting-edge laboratory, and construction of two staff houses.
This holistic approach aims to address not only the structural needs of the school but also the comfort and convenience of both students and staff.
While in Rumphi, Mdooko was accompanied by the Northern Education Division Manager (EDM), Jennings Matalabanda Kayira.
Kayira said that multiple projects are in motion to revolutionize the landscape of education in the Northern region.
“The SEED project, which we have witnessed today, is just one facet of our comprehensive strategy, in addition to SEED, the ministry has also embarked on Improving Secondary Education in Malawi (ISEM) project.
“These efforts have already proven their effectiveness, as they significantly reduce walking distances to schools. Furthermore, our young girls, the future leaders of our nation, stand to benefit immensely from these initiatives.” he articulated.
Rumphi West, Member of Parliament, Hon. Yona Mkandawire, echoed this sentiment with unwavering enthusiasm.
“The days of long, arduous journeys to school are numbered. With schools springing up closer to their homes, our young girls will be inspired to pursue their education with renewed vigor. The promise of a brighter future is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality within their grasp.” Mkandawire declared.
The MoE’s dedication to accessible education stands as a beacon of hope for countless children across Malawi. With projects like SEED and ISEM reshaping the educational landscape, it’s clear that a new era of learning is dawning in the nation.