Tag Archives: Action Aid

Education, Malawi

Transforming educational opportunities: Action Aid’s intervention in Dedza’s Chitana Primary School

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In the rural region of Dedza, Malawi, Chitana Primary School stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of eager young learners.

However, the challenges presented by harsh weather conditions have posed significant obstacles to their educational journey.

Rainy weather often leaves students soaked and shivering, lacking suitable protection to shield themselves from the elements.

But thanks to the benevolent intervention by Action Aid, this once precarious situation is now being transformed into an opportunity for growth and improvement.

With the support of this remarkable organization, Chitana Primary School is experiencing a profound transformation that is deepening students’ commitment to their studies.

The Struggle

For too long, the rainy weather in Dedza has impeded the progress of these young minds. Many students have found it incredibly challenging to concentrate on their studies as they battle against the wind and rain, which penetrate their inadequate clothing.

Without proper protection, their motivation falters, and their performance suffers. This dire situation called for urgent action, and Action Aid stepped in to address the needs of the students and ensure their education was not compromised.

Action Aid’s Intervention

Recognizing the need for immediate intervention at Chitana Primary School, Action Aid answered this cry for help by providing vital assistance in the form of construction projects.

Two classrooms were built to accommodate the growing student population, while offices were added to foster administrative efficiency.

To better cater to the students’ basic needs, hygienic toilets were constructed, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.

Additionally, Action Aid’s generosity extended to the construction of living quarters for the teaching staff, enhancing their commitment and dedication to the students’ welfare.

Maria Phalira, a representative of Action Aid, explained that the organization became aware of the pressing challenges faced at Chitana Primary School and felt compelled to contribute MK71 million to alleviate the situation.

Maria stressed the importance of investing in education as a means of empowering communities, emphasizing that every child deserves an environment conducive to learning and growth.

The Impact

The impact of Action Aid’s intervention at Chitana Primary School cannot be overstated. With the construction of two new classrooms, the student-teacher ratio has improved, allowing for more personalized attention and effective teaching strategies. In a learning environment designed to foster collaboration and interaction, students are now more engaged and eager to participate.

Access to clean and functional toilets not only enhances students’ hygiene but also helps prevent the spread of diseases, contributing to a healthier overall school environment.

Additionally, the provision of proper living quarters for the teaching staff has boosted their morale, elevating the overall quality of education imparted at the school.

Felix Chibwato, the head teacher at Chitana Primary School, expressed his profound gratitude to Action Aid for their support in improving the learning conditions.

He highlighted the importance of this intervention and its role in bolstering the students’ confidence and academic achievements. With a renewed spirit, the students are eager to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential.

Beyond the Physical Transformation

Action Aid’s intervention at Chitana Primary School extends far beyond physical improvements. The organization’s commitment to uplifting this vulnerable community is reflected in its comprehensive approach.

Besides the infrastructural developments, Action Aid has also implemented numerous programs to support the holistic development of the students.

Through the implementation of sports and extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to explore their talents and interests.

This fosters a sense of belonging, teamwork, and personal growth, nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to face the challenges of the future.

Additionally, Action Aid has initiated skill-building workshops and training programs for both students and teachers. These endeavors aim to empower individuals with knowledge and practical skills, equipping them for a brighter and more productive future.

Action Aid’s intervention at Chitana Primary School stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action. By addressing the challenges faced by the students, the organization has created an environment where individuals can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Through the construction of classrooms, offices, toilets, and living quarters, Action Aid has provided the necessary infrastructure to facilitate a conducive learning environment.

Furthermore, their investment in extracurricular activities and skill-building initiatives showcases their commitment to holistic development.

As Chitana Primary School embraces this new era of opportunities, it serves as a reminder that education, when supported by compassionate organizations such as Action Aid, can break down barriers, empower young minds, and shape a brighter future for all.

Education

Action Aid unhappy with business oriented culture in Malawi’s Private schools

Maravi Post Reporter
A cross section of participants to Action Aid Malawi report launch

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Action Aid Malawi is not happy with some of the country’s private schools which become more entrenched into business than being institutions that must provide education services.

The organization observes that such scenario is a departure from the Abidjan Principles that obligates governments to provide quality education and play an active role in the regulation of private provision of education.

The organization has since asked the Government of Malawi–a signatory to the Abidjan Principles–to regulate the private education system in the country to see if it is contributing to the quality of education.

Action Aid Malawi Executive Director, Assan Golowa, said this in the Capital Lilongwe during the launch of a report done by Action Aid International tittled: Private Education and Compliance with the Abidjan Principles; the Case for Malawi.

“Private schools must complement what government does. Let us make sure that private education abides by principles of basic and tertiary education that focus on quality and access to the education process.

“Government must ensure that the provisions of the Abidjan Principles are followed when implementing education activities in the country. The design and implementation of interventions in education must abide by these principles,” said Golowa.

He was commenting on the contents of the report, that, among others, state that the chronically underfunded public education system which has been the case for 40 years in many countries, has left people disillusioned and those who can afford turn to private and the systems end up stratified based on the ability to pay and the aims of education are undermined.

The report further says education can be equalizing force but becomes powerful force for entrenching inequality and injustice and children in rural areas, those living in poverty, especially girls become further excluded.

“Unless we take action on financing public education, we will be continuing to create the push factor from the public education system and privatization will continue in one form or another,” it says.

In his remarks, Director of Planning in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Rodwell Mzonde, said the report is relevant to Malawi in view of the increasing demand for education in the country.

He acknowledged the existing challenges affecting the education sector such as poor infrastructure and shortage of learning and teaching materials, saying these are compromising the quality of education.

“That is why we are building school blocks across the country. Under the Malawi Education Sector Improvement Project. We want to build school blocks in 500 primary schools. We are also building 14 city primary schools in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Zomba,” Mzonde said.

He added that government is already regulating private education with a focus on many important things such availability of qualified teachers and decent infrastructure.

The Abidjan Principles were adopted on 13 February, 2019 in Ivory Coast, developed at a time of rise in the privatization and commercialisation of education.

They help governments and other state actors to understand what human rights law says about state obligations in the provision of quality public education.

The principles provide a framework for evaluating forms of private provision, giving attention to how this can be assessed in relation to states obligations as regards to the right to education.

They articulate the obligations of states to provide public education to the maximum of their available resources.

Malawi, Politics, Top News

Oxfam, 50:50 campaign team drum up for MP Kabwila’s parliamentary seat

Maravi Post Reporter

Salima North West constituency committee receiving bicycles from Oxfam for drumming MP Kabwila

SALIMA-(MaraviPost)-The main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lawmaker for Salima North-West Constituency Dr. Jessie Kabwila on Friday got a boost of her Parliamentary seat candidature both on primaries and general elections following Oxfam and 50:50 campaign team stormed the area.

The visit is part of the two groupings’ retention program that all 32 seating female Member of Parliament (MPs) be back into Malawi’s August House after 2019 general elections.

Oxfam alongside its partners including Action Aid, NGO Gender Coordination Network, Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre, storming Kabwila constituency will boost her chances of winning both MCP primaries and general elections.

NGO Gender Coordination Network chairperson Emma Kaliya urged constituents drumming up for Kabwila saying she is a national asset that the area cant afford to loose.

The organizations therefore distributed campaign materials  including bicycles, clothes, caps, books and among  others for constituency committee to advance Kabwila candidature, awareness of domestic violence and ending child marriages.

 

Oxfam Deputy Country Director Lingalireni Mihowa told Nthumbo primary school gathering that it was the wish of the organization that all 32 female MPs they retain their seats in 2019.

Mihowa lauded Kabwila who is also Chairperson of Malawi’s Parliamentary women caucus for the effort that female legislators be ticking on the ground with development programs for their constituencies.

She therefore urged the constituents to rally behind Kabwila both on primary and general elections saying the lawmaker is a national asset that needs to be protected and taken care of through voting.

“We want all female lawmakers be back into Parliament to achieve 50:50 notion. Female legislators have heart for child, women and youth welfare.

“We are into all constituencies where female aspirants have shown interest to participate ward, parliamentary and presidential seats. With materials sharing, we hope that will increase the aspirants visibility”, assures Mihowa.

There was a sign of relief for MP Kabwila when his party’s leader representative Kasalika who told the gathering that “MCP leadership indorsed Kabwila as its Salima North-West Constituency candidate for 2019 elections”.

The lawmaker therefore assured the constituents of expansion of major development projects in the next term of office.

“I feel relived now that the entire MCP leadership rallying my candidature. This has demonstrated how the party embraces women empowerment in leadership positions.

“I also commend Oxfam and its partners for spearheading female MPs retention programs that all women aspirants be supported fully. This is encouraging us all to go forward despite challenges we face during the campaign,” excited Kabwila.

MCP’s Salima North West constituency primaries have for twice suspended following aspirant  Enoch Phale plot to rig the elections through formulation of parallel party structures.