Magic behind MERP K150Bn project

– constructing 10, 900 school classrooms
– Builds 1,000 sanitary facilities
– employs 200 artisans

Secretary for Education Dr. Mangani Chilala Katundu has expressed satisfaction over the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) which is being sponsored by the Malawi Government and World Bank amounting to K150 Billion to enhance basic education.

Dr Mangani said basic education is vital because it provides foundation for the children which is very important for their growing stage.

He said this is the reason the ministry has been working hard to create more learning space by building 10, 900 classrooms across the country.

Children should learn under the tree because they want to learn something outside not because there no classrooms

The other challenge is teaching and learning materials. As Ministry we are geared to end these challenges by also among others providing adequate and qualified teachers.

Government is investing K150Billion for the construction of school blocks

As Ministry we are constructing 10, 900, classrooms to accommodate 750, 000 learners.

He said the project has already employed 200 thousand local artisans.

He further said the ministry has partnered National Construction Industrial Council (NICC) to ensure quality by helping the ministry to train these local artisans to ensure quality civil works.

Dr Mangani said the project has many economic benefits to beneficiary communities as constrution materials are supplied and transported by locals.

The Ministry is also constructing 1,000 sanitatation blocks to help in girls retention.

The Ministry is also planning to role out Universal school feeding program in addition to digitalising the education sector in line with Malawi Agenda 2063.

The project has four components and include improving learning environments in lower primary.

This component according to the Secretary will help to provide additional and more needs-based discretionary finances to schools to support investment aimed at dicongesting classes and improved learning environments.

Second Component is that the project supports girls’ learning . Again This component supports the national delivery of an updated and revised School Leadership Program (SLP) supporting headteachers and deputy headteachers to create a positive and inclusive culture towards over-age children and girls.
while component 3 is based on Policy reform for improved efficiency, equity and this include provision of incentives and resources to support medium-term reforms to ensure the long-term functioning of the education system.

The last component is the Management, and Sector Program Support and Coordination which involves, financing the management of the project, including reporting.