During the visit, the minister took an opportunity to observe classes just before the event commenced.

Speaking during the event, Wirima commended the teachers for delivering quality education towards students of lower grade, from standard 1 to 4 saying their energy and teaching skills are unmatched.

She assured the public of continued support from the government under her ministry to ensure quality education in Malawi.

The minister also expressed gratitude towards the support her ministry has been receiving from the global Coalition for Foundational Learning (CFL).

“I would like to thank CFL for the resources they have pumped in, and the technical expertise they have offered to our ministry as it will bring a huge impact, ” Wirima said.

She also highlighted the problems that are affecting the lower grade education which include insufficient learning and/or teaching materials among others.

Ben Piper, representative of CFL, expressed satisfaction and commended the government of Malawi through Ministry of Education for showing commendable commitment to foundational literacy and numeracy.

“This commitment and leadership was evident in our interactions here at Chimwasongwe Primary School where the integration of various programs has been a priority and serves as a model that can be replicated,” he said.

Piper also said that the Coalition remains dedicated to working hand in hand with the Malawian government.

“Our aim is to support and amplify the efforts being made, so that every child in Malawi gains the skills to read with understanding and master fundamental maths skills,” he said.

CFL is a consortium supported by the Bill & Merinda Gates Foundation, Unicef, the World Bank, and U.S Agency for International Development, just to name a few, focused on ensuring foundational reading and maths skills for all.