By Jones Gadama
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has emphasized the importance of private schools adhering to the minimum operating standards set by the government.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA) Annual Conference in Blantyre, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, highlighted the need for private schools to maintain quality infrastructure, utilize required teaching and learning materials, and employ qualified and registered teachers.
Wirima assured private schools that her technical team is always available to provide support and guidance, encouraging them to consult with the ministry to ensure compliance with the set standards.
The government appreciates the critical role played by independent schools in complementing its efforts in providing basic and secondary education in Malawi.
The theme of this year’s ISAMA conference, “Advancing Quality Education in Independent Schools: By Embracing Inclusiveness, Digitalisation, and Corporate Governance for a Sustainable Future,” resonates well with the Ministry’s mission statement to offer quality education to all learners.
ISAMA President, Bishop Wycliffe Chimwendo, emphasized the association’s commitment to supporting schools and the ministry in their quest for excellence.
“We will continue to advocate for policies and programmes that benefit our members and promote quality education in our country,” Chimwendo said.
The Malawi 2063 development goals emphasize the importance of education in creating a wealth-creating nation, and the government recognizes the crucial role independent schools play in achieving this vision.
By working together, the government and private schools can ensure that learners receive the best possible education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the country’s development.
The ISAMA conference provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting private schools and identify strategies for improvement.
In her remarks, Wirima highlighted the significance of education in Malawi’s development, stating that it plays a catalytic role in making Malawi a wealth-creating nation.
She emphasized that the government has a huge task of providing the nation with the much-needed human resource in all sectors of development.
The government’s efforts to ensure that private schools adhere to minimum operating standards are aimed at promoting quality education and providing learners with a conducive learning environment.
By embracing inclusiveness, digitalization, and corporate governance, private schools can contribute to creating a sustainable future for Malawi’s education sector.
As the education sector continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing private schools and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
The ISAMA conference serves as a crucial platform for promoting quality education and advancing the interests of private schools in Malawi.
With the government’s support and guidance, private schools can continue to play a vital role in shaping the country’s education landscape.
The government’s call for private schools to adhere to minimum operating standards is a step towards ensuring that learners receive quality education.
By working together, the government and private schools can promote inclusiveness, digitalization, and corporate governance, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future for Malawi’s education sector.
