Private sector raises K415m for Malawi secondary education at Sanjika presidential dinner
At least K415 million was raised for the improvement of secondary education in the country during presidential engagement with the private sector on Monday at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.
Companies present during the dinner event included Press Trust which pledged K300 million, Globe Internet Limited which committed K24 million as well as Raiply Malawi which also pledged K20 million.
Speaking earlier, President Lazarus Chakwera said time has come for people to go beyond saying things and acting to show the results.
Chakwera then urged the private sector to wholeheartedly support secondary education, saying the gesture would bring the light side out of the darkness secondary school students were facing.
“If we make secondary school sector the best, then the product will also be the best,” said the country’s Head of State.
“We must learn to practice a discipline that will make others happy because by doing this, then we are actually doing ourselves a favour as we are building a greater nation,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry President, James Chimwaza said the sector has deep interest in education as it believes that vibrant education is vital to human capital.
Chimwaza, however, advised government to provide incentives such as tax wavers, for companies that will be part of the initiative.
“Government should also provide incentives to the private sector by reducing tax on some goods and services.
“This will go a long way in enhancing the companies’ corporate social responsibility. Otherwise, we are ready to be an active government partner in developing the country,” said Chimwaza.
Government intends to construct 34 high quality secondary centres of excellence in each education district that will be triple-streamed and compete with Kamuzu Academy, according to the Minister of Education, Agness Nyalonje.
She explained that the schools will cost K100 billion to construct and help the country to move away from the perception that having a library, science laboratory and qualified teachers is a luxury.
In a few years to come, Nyalonje said would love to see all secondary school learners, including those from Community Day Secondary Schools pursuing science-related courses as they will have the opportunity to use a laboratory during their secondary school days.
Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) president, Kwanele Ngwenya concurred with Chimwaza, saying: “In decades to come, we should not only be known for making profits but also for our contribution in the secondary education sector.”
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Do we have a Malawi National Education Strategy? Was the minister advancing her own personal dream or agenda? Is this in line with National Planning Commission strategy to 2063? I propose we have a National Education Strategy that follows the country vision on education as articulated in the broader National Education Master plan.Basop a Minister!
What you are saying is true. Just check on the website of the National Planning Commission. There is nothing of that sort in the National Education Master Plan. That is why I am saying follow what the PS for Education. The very esteemed and professional Mrs Chikondano Mussa very well articulated. In fact, she should be made the Minister so that she implements those plans without any political interference. Let’s put politics aside and let professionals come up with solutions and we, as leaders listen and adapt them to our overall strategies. Now if the politicians are failing to follow… Read more »
In fact, the overall strategy that was approved in 2013 which is the National Education Policy. We are still using that. There is nothing on the 34 Secondary Schools. It is still relevant today as it was 7 years ago. With the snail’s pace we implement things. Nothing has been done really.
Miscalculated priorities. If the minister said there are shortages of labs in CDSS why not use this money for turnkey labs for CDSSs instead of labouring to build 34 high schools like Kamuzu Academy. In this way the disadvantaged learners in CDSS will gain.Lets 4get about building more high schools if we cannot offer jobs to that calibre of graduates.
We can start project soon
The idea of creating 34 secondary schools of excellence to compete with Kamuzu Academy is totally rubbish. Are you trying to continue where Kamuzu left? Kamuzu Academy was meant to discriminate by creating a so called elite school producing those above the rest. This should never be encouraged in a democratic, equal and just Malawi. What you need to do is revise the curriculum and scrap off JCE and MSCE. Introduce O-Levels after 4 years of secondary education and A-Levels after 6 years of secondary education and adapting it to our own settings here in Malawi. Make all schools have… Read more »
Totally rubbish, are you serious?you come accross as such a bitter and disgruntled person and there is no such room in this Malawi
Bitter for what? Ambuje! This is the truth. Stop fucking with us. We need this country to move forward. Otherwise, zomangopanga ma plan ndalama mulibe. Zitithandiza chiani. Is the 415 Million enough for you to do this? There are so many kids out there who fail to get education and yet what you think of is descriminating them by bringing this. Stop playing around and put this country on forward footing.
the 250 secondary schools will be funded by USA bwana….kukhala ndima school 34 ofanana ndi Kamuzu Academy, one per district is a very beautiful idea…..enawo ndimaganizo anu bwana….sitingalephere kupanga ma plan ena simply bcoz pali kale 250 schools to be beilt, mindset change ija ikufunikanso ndekut
Where will you get the money to build your so called schools? This is not a church where you just take church’s money and do whatever you want. You should take care of the current problems in the schools before you even think of your so called plans. You want to be seen to be doing something. Then in 5 years we will have nothing done.
Umbuli wakuvutani ankolo
Are you going to recruit the whites to come and teach in your 34 Secondary Schools. Just like Kamuzu did kuti umbali mukuwona mwaine enawo asakhala nawo. The problem with Kamuzu is that he never thought beyond his presidency. That’s why he never built leadership structures that outlasted him. That is why we ended up with Bakili Muluzi as president. Kamuzu academy was never meant to be replicated anywhere. It was built to show off where Kamuzu attended his education in USA and UK. Education is supposed to be easily accessible, of good quality and non-discriminatory. Tapita pa Zimbabwe pompa… Read more »