The Catholic Church in Malawi has launched the much awaited education policy which is expected to rejuvenate education standards for the better in its primary, secondary and tertiary schools.
This comes barely over hundred years after the church started offering education in Malawi without proper education guidelines which has currently overpowered with modern technology in system of education such e-learning among others.
With the church’s vision; “Family of God filled with the holy spirit living in harmony, peace and solidarity”, the education policy was launched on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in the capital Lilongwe.
Speaking to The Maravi Post after the launch, His Lordship, Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, Catholic Education Commission’s chairperson expressed gratitude for the timely launch of the policy saying it provides material for thought, reflection and dialogue among those engaged in its implementation at all levels and other interested parties.
“In order to consolidate its achievements in education and reposition itself for the same purpose in view of today’s many educational challenges, the catholic church in Malawi has developed this policy document which presents the fundamental principles and ideas of Catholic education which should guide the management the church educational institutions in Malawi”, outlines Bishop Mtumbuka.
He therefore appealed to government for an increase number of Catholics to 50 percent from the current 30 percent enrollment in its school for better representation of the church.
“This might sound awkward for the church seeking an increase numbers of Catholics enrollment in schools which we are in partnership with the Malawi government. We want our sons and daughters to have equal chances with the rest of other dominations in enrollment as the church represents large part of the country’s population. Therefore, leaving such group in the education system remains a big blow to the church hence the appeal”, explains Mtumbuka.
In responding to church’s call on increase number of Catholics enrollment in schools, Charles Msosa, Secretary for high education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology welcomed the appeal saying the ministry will go back into the drawing board looking into all queries raised.
“The ministry is very grateful as well for the timely launch of the church’s education policy which is in line with Malawi government agendas in promoting education standards in Malawi. The church remains our eminent partner in education since 1901 as it has provided us with quality infrastructures in education systems.
“However, the ministry will look into the church’s proposals for an increase of Catholics enrollment in school which we run together that only government is tasked for selection of students to catholic schools based on the memorandum of understanding made years ago”, assures Msosa.
Key issues in the Catholic education policy includes equal access and enrollment to catholic institutions, improving quality education by having Advisory Supervision Team for assessing teachers performance, instilling Catholic social teachings, ethos and doctrine in schools.
The Catholic Church in Malawi started offering formal education in 1901 with the first primary school at Mzama Parish in Ntcheu district which was established by the missionaries.
By 2010, the church owned over 1,500 primary schools and 150 post primary education institutions including secondary schools, a Teacher training college, vocational and technical colleges and special needs Education College.
