By Jones Gadama
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially handed over several education projects and intervention programs to the Malawian government, marking the conclusion of its active financial support for the education sector. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Lilongwe.
The projects, which were implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, targeted foundational learning, inclusive education, and infrastructure development across Malawi’s education sector. USAID’s support had a significant impact on the advancement of education in Malawi, and the handover ceremony served to acknowledge the contributions of the agency and commend both ministries for their joint efforts in implementing impactful education reforms.
Speaking at the event, Pamela Fessenden, USAID Mission Director, expressed appreciation for the strong working relationship between USAID and the two ministries. She highlighted some of the achievements of the partnership, including the development and printing of Standard 1-4 curriculum and instructional materials in both English and Chichewa, training of 24,000 Standard 1-2 teachers, and initiation of a revision of the Inclusive Education Strategy.
Fessenden also noted the completion of 72 Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) and progress on 17 CDSS construction sites, which are currently at an average of 65 percent completion. Additionally, the partnership developed induction standards for newly hired primary school teachers and teaching practice.
Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Levis Eneya, acknowledged USAID’s contributions, noting their significant impact on the advancement of education in Malawi. Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, described the partnership as both beneficial and transformative.
The handover of the education projects marks the end of USAID’s active financial support for the education sector in Malawi, following the US government’s decision to withdraw funding from education portfolios globally. Despite this, the impact of the partnership will continue to be felt in the country’s education sector.
The ceremony served as a testament to the strong partnership between USAID and the Malawian government, and a celebration of the achievements made possible through their collaboration. As the Malawian government takes full ownership of the projects, it is expected that the benefits will continue to accrue to the education sector and the country at large.