By Burnett Munthali
Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaola Mdooko has lauded the impact of the Learner Mentors initiative, introduced through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), which has significantly bolstered school enrollment in public primary schools across Malawi. This initiative, aimed at reducing school dropouts and encouraging higher attendance rates, is beginning to show promising results.
The Learner Mentors concept involves recruiting young women to serve as role models and mentors in public primary schools. Their primary role is to motivate children who have dropped out of school to return and complete their education. By offering guidance and support, these mentors help address barriers to education and foster a supportive learning environment.
During a recent visit to Benjamini and Mbachundu primary schools in Mchinji District, Mdooko observed firsthand the positive outcomes of the initiative. She reported a notable decrease in absenteeism and a reduction in early pregnancies among students, reflecting the program’s success in addressing critical issues affecting school attendance.
“The introduction of Learner Mentors through MERP has had a substantial impact,” Mdooko said. “We are seeing fewer children dropping out of school, and more are returning to complete their education. The role of these mentors as positive role models is crucial in motivating students and creating an environment conducive to learning.”
Joyce Hamsini, Director of Education, Youth and Sports (DEYS) for Mchinji, confirmed the success of the initiative in her district. She noted that approximately 110 out of 221 primary schools in Mchinji now have Learner Mentors. In these schools, there has been a marked increase in student enrollment, further highlighting the effectiveness of the program.
Emma Kapinga, a Learner Mentor at Mbachundu Primary School, shared her personal success story. Over the past few years, Kapinga has helped approximately 76 children return to school, with 65 of them sitting for the Primary School Leaving Certificate (PSLC) examinations. Her efforts exemplify the positive impact that dedicated mentors can have on students’ educational journeys.
The Learner Mentors initiative represents a significant step towards achieving higher educational attainment and reducing dropout rates in Malawi. By focusing on mentorship and role modeling, the program addresses key factors that contribute to school disengagement, offering a practical solution to longstanding educational challenges.
As the program continues to expand and evolve, it is anticipated that the benefits will be even more pronounced. With strong support from both the government and local communities, the Learner Mentors initiative is poised to make a lasting difference in Malawi’s educational landscape.
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