By Shaffie A Mtambo
Malawi’s Minister of Basic Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, has expressed her satisfaction with the newly constructed classroom blocks at Makhetha Primary School in Blantyre. The two blocks, built under the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), are expected to alleviate the school’s longstanding shortage of classrooms.
During her visit to the school, Kambauwa Wirima praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve the learning environment for students. “The classroom blocks will help mitigate some challenges that learners have been facing due to lack of adequate classrooms,” she said.
Noffan Chipetere, the school’s headteacher, echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that the new blocks will make a significant difference in the school’s operations. “We have had a shortage of classrooms for a long time, and this new infrastructure will greatly improve our ability to provide quality education,” Chipetere said.
The construction of the classroom blocks is part of the broader Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s education system. MERP commenced in 2021 and is expected to conclude by the end of this year. The program has made significant strides in improving education infrastructure and resources across Malawi.
The minister’s visit to Makhetha Primary School was an opportunity to assess the progress of the MERP project and engage with students, teachers, and community members. Kambauwa Wirima’s positive remarks about the new classroom blocks reflect the government’s commitment to providing quality education and improving learning outcomes.
As the education sector continues to evolve, initiatives like MERP play a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by schools like Makhetha Primary.
