By Elywin Chighali Mhango
Residents of Dedza have expressed their enthusiasm for the government’s new tablet-based learning initiative under the Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program, asserting that it will not only enhance educational engagement but also address issues of student absenteeism.
During a community engagement meeting held at Gwengere Primary School on Wednesday, Group Village Headman Mang’ombi emphasized the importance of the BEFIT sessions in equipping students with essential literacy and numeracy skills that are crucial for their academic foundation.
“I commend the government for this advancement in education. Our children are fortunate to have technology at their fingertips, especially in a time when previous generations relied on slates,” he remarked, vowing that the community would prioritize the security of the new equipment.
Mang’ombi further stated that as community leaders, they would actively promote awareness of the program among residents to ensure that the tablets are well-maintained and utilized effectively.
Catherine Tanazio, a member of the community Mother Group, asserted that strong collaboration between the school authorities and the local community is vital for the successful implementation of initiatives like BEFIT. She pledged the community’s commitment to supporting the tablet-based learning program.
Mphatso Nkuonera, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, acknowledged the significant role that community involvement plays in achieving the program’s goals. “The dedication shown by the community gives us hope for a successful rollout, similar to successful initiatives in other areas where community support has been instrumental,” he stated.
Nkuonera also highlighted that community engagement helps mitigate problems such as theft, vandalism, and misconceptions that might arise concerning the initiative.
The event saw participation from various stakeholders, including members of the School Management Committee, the Parents Teachers Association, local village heads, faith leaders, and community policing representatives.
Gwengere Primary School is among the first 31 schools in Dedza to implement the tablet-based learning initiative as part of the BEFIT program, which the government aims to expand to all 6,000 public primary schools in Malawi by 2029.