By Shaffie A Mtambo
Malawi’s innovative tablet-based learning initiative, Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT), is transforming the country’s education landscape. The program, which aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students, has been hailed by communities in Dedza for its potential to boost attendance and reduce absenteeism.
BEFIT’s impact is expected to be significant, with the program targeting 3.8 million students across 6,000 public primary schools by 2029. The initiative is part of Malawi’s efforts to invest in 21st-century human capital and achieve its development goals by 2063.
The program’s tablet-based learning platform provides students with interactive and engaging educational content, helping to build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. By increasing access to education, BEFIT aims to reach all public primary schools in Malawi, ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their location or socio-economic background.
Community engagement and support are crucial to BEFIT’s success. Local leaders and parents are playing a vital role in ensuring the program’s smooth implementation and sustainability. The Ministry of Education has emphasized the importance of community engagement, saying that community commitment gives them hope for the program’s success.
The program has already been rolled out in 31 primary schools in Dedza, with plans to expand to more schools in the future. As Malawi continues to invest in education, initiatives like BEFIT are poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s education landscape.
