TNM provides free internet to Malawi leaners amid Covid-19

Ministry of Education Science and Technology and  TelecomNetworks Malawi (TNM plc) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide free internet to learners following closure of schools due to coronavirus (Covid-19) threat.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Justin Saidi and TNM plc CEO Michiel Buitelaar signing the MOU.-Photo by Lisa Kadango, Mana
Minister of Education, Science and Technology William Susuwele-Banda (L) and TNM plc CEO Michiel Buitelaar (2nd from R) with the MOU.- Photo by Lisa Kadango, Mana

The signing ceremony took place at the Sunbird Capital Hotel in the Capital Lilongwe on Tuesday April 21 2020.

President Peter Mutharika, working on the need to prevent the spread of coronavirus, took a decision to close all schools, colleges including technical colleges, both public and private universities from March 23 2020.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Dr William Susuwele Banda who signed the MOU on behalf of the Malawi Government said the agreement is one of the interventions that have been put in place to enable continuous learning for learners.

He said as the country is sailing though unprecedented situation in the education sector, the ministry is responding to the situation to the best of its capabilities with support from its partners hence the signing of the MOU.

Under this arrangement, all students from Forms 1 to 2, be it from public or private schools, will be able to access lessons through the Ministry’s website www.education.gov.mw where the lessons have been uploaded at no data cost.

The only requirement is that the students should have a TNM number.

 

TNM will be uploading Forms 3 and 4 content as soon as development of the content is finalized.

“My ministry is working closely with a number of partners in coming up with a number of innovative solutions to keep our children busy with lessons while at home.These partners that include UNICEF, Save the Children Fund, VSO and NEPAD have been key to coming up with these solutions include learning through Radio, Television, Printed Materials and Online,” said the Education Minister.

Susuwele Banda said the lessons will bring the teachers directly interfacing with the learner through radio programs.

“We will have these programs on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and other radio stations. A

detailed schedule providing actual broadcast times will be provided by my ministry soon,” he said.

TNM  plc chief executive officer, Michiel Buitelaar said his company thought of partnering with the Malawi Government because education is important while describing online education as an area where Malawi can make a big stride.

He said in the era of COVID-19, online education is very important as it enables students to do certain things that become difficult in an out of school environment.

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Jacob Banda
Jacob Banda
4 years ago

That is better than just staying at home

Mr Wilson
Mr Wilson
4 years ago

Nice response remove the WhatsApp bundle fee as well

Kandulu
Kandulu
4 years ago

This is cheap politics. How many learners have computers, laptops, ipads, smart phones, etc that they can use for learning and how many teachers are trained in blended learning or e-learning or preparation of online instructional materials. Learners are seating under the tree in towns and villages. They can’t afford food. APM needs to come back to reality. This is a poor move.

NACHITHIDZI PALIBE
NACHITHIDZI PALIBE
4 years ago

atleast partially you have tried this one is better than non children were iddle with school attendancy only few were thinking of studies we cant say many were studying in there homes

Mbonga Matoga
Mbonga Matoga
4 years ago

The majority of schoolchildren in Malawi are in the rural areas, how many of those have access to computers let alone internet connections to access those online school materials…

Why can’t this government just let people vote so we can have a legitimate government making legitimate decisions that would work for all Malawians and not just for a selected few….

Chiombagaga
Chiombagaga
4 years ago

This is a sign of the caring government. Malawi truly has a leader in APM.

Junior
Junior
4 years ago
Reply to  Chiombagaga

Aaaaah awanso a chiombankhanga Keanu ku mulanje thyolo ana asukulu Ali ndi ma laptops kapena phone zoti amgaphunzire pa internet ndi angati? Izi nzamabwana izi osati amphawi akumudzi. Komabe zakomela akumpanda nanga kwao kwa a happier mhango ku mhuju ziliko izi

Mbolo ya tota
Mbolo ya tota
4 years ago

So TNM will now sell cards………….cash cash here

Mandado@147
Mandado@147
4 years ago

give them laptops even urban students don’t have PC this is malawi not USA…why not whatsapp?

Manyozo
Manyozo
4 years ago

Ribbon – Check
Sizasi – Check
DPP Minister – Check
‘Nduna zaukadulo waku jelusalemu full university and 4 other courses institute’

Ineyo
Ineyo
4 years ago

Welcome

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