Emmanuel University secures K500m for promotion of inclusive education in Dedza and Lilongwe districts

Lilongwe-based Emmanuel University (EMUNI), which falls under the Evangelical Association of Malawi, has secured K500 million from a German Christian organization – Bread for the World – for promoting inclusive education in Dedza and Lilongwe districts.

The university has since rolled out a project titled: “Research, Inclusive Education, Sanitation and Environmental Hygiene (RIESEH).” The project strives to strengthen school level systems and structures in support of inclusive learning environments in schools.

Speaking on Monday during an advocacy meeting the university held at Mtenthera Full Primary School in Lilongwe, EMUNI Dean of Studies, Philip Mwenegamba, said RIESEH has a two-fold research components, which include an evaluative research study on the contribution of EMUNI interventions to the basic education sector of Malawi despite being limited to two education districts.

Secondly, that the university should be engaged in ‘Action Research Activities’ and work collaboratively with other universities and institutions on research in the areas of inclusive education, special needs education, sanitation and environmental hygiene and other related matters in Malawi Primary and Secondary Education System.

“As a university that trains primary and secondary school teachers, we normally go to schools where we have noted gaps in the provision of special needs education. So, we thought we should come up with this project to address some of these challenges affecting inclusive education,” said Mwenegamba.

He disclosed that the project will run for the next four years with over 2, 000 learners with various disabilities targeted to benefit.

Mwenegamba said, among others, that through the project, EMUNI will provide a series of training to teachers in Special Needs Education.

The Administrative Officer at the Central West Education Division, Victor Sibale described the project as a “big relief to the government” in as far as improving and promoting the quality of Special Needs Education in the division is concerned.

Sibale said the government faces numerous challenges to promote inclusive education and ensure ensuring that no child is left behind; hence, the intervention by EMUNI will play a critical role in safeguarding the education rights for children with disabilities.

“We are committed as government to ensure that learners with disabilities have access to education. This is why we are very delighted with the RIESEH project by Emmanuel University, which is supporting primary schools in Dedza and Lilongwe rural in promoting inclusive education,” he said.

The advocacy meeting was spiced up with performances such as drama, poetry and traditional dances.

Sharing is caring!