LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila has lauded Astria Learning Centers for promoting gender inclusivity towards digital education particularly on women and girls.
Dr. Kabwila was speaking on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in the capital Lilongwe during the official opening of Astra E-Learning’s second office in Lilongwe.
She observed that digital learning will provide an opportunity for women to look after their families in a comfortable zones of education.
“This is a conducive model for learning for women who sometimes find it difficult to leave their families to go for physical classes.
“With Astra E-learning centre, women will be able to be with their families while studying through online to achieve their life goals,” lauds Dr. Kabwila.
The Minister emphasised the crucial role of technology in modern education that integrating digital solutions into higher education is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
“Education is the foundation of national development as it builds the necessary human capital. We cannot talk about achieving Malawi 2063 without discussing education, especially higher education,” she said.
Dr Kabwila therefore Astria E-Learning for expanding its presence in Malawi, following the establishment of its first local office in Zomba.
“When someone opens a second office, it deserves recognition. It’s a huge investment, and it speaks to the trust and confidence in their partnership. We salute Astria for this commitment,” Dr. Kabwila added.
She further noted that Astria E-Learning’s expansion aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education’s strategic objective of increasing access to quality education.
Astria E-Learning Chief Executive Officer Dr Jeff Bordes, underscored the vital role of technology in modern education, stating that traditional teaching methods can no longer keep pace with today’s fast-evolving world.
“Higher education is a key driver of economic growth and social progress. However, the rapid evolution of technology presents new challenges. Institutions must update their processes to stay competitive globally,” he said.
He emphasised Astria E-Learning’s commitment to supporting Malawian universities, including the University of Malawi and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, by revolutionizing how knowledge is delivered and received.
“This new office will serve as a hub for collaboration, research, and the development of localized technology solutions. We are dedicated to empowering institutions to address these challenges effectively,” he added.
In a major boost for local employment, the Bordes announced that Astria E-Learning plans to hire 40 new employees over the next 12 months.
The institution is also expected to open another centre in Mzuzu.
University of Malawi (UNIMA) and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) are first high learnings partnering with Astria Learning Centers.