By Elywin Chighali Mhango
Dedza, Malawi – The Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program is set to make a significant impact at Gwengere Primary School, according to headteacher Sandram Nachiola. He voiced strong optimism that the initiative will provide students with essential foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, thereby enriching the educational landscape of the community.
Nachiola’s comments came at the conclusion of a two-day teacher training session on the BEFIT program, which is aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through tablet-based learning. He stated that the introduction of this technology is expected to be a game-changer for learners in Standards 1-4, ultimately helping to address the issue of learning poverty.
“With this program, we anticipate not only the retention of students who may have dropped out but also a reduction in absenteeism,” said Nachiola. “The appeal of tablet-based learning will motivate students to attend school regularly, as they will be eager to engage with the technology.”
As a proactive leader, Nachiola pledged to ensure that all teachers at Gwengere Primary fully embrace the new technology, emphasizing that the comprehensive training provided by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education equips educators to adapt seamlessly. He highlighted the benefit of having all teachers trained, stating that, even in the absence of a designated teacher, lessons can still proceed smoothly.
Mphatso Nkuonera, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing learning poverty across the nation. The BEFIT program aims to roll out to all 6,000 public schools in the country by 2029, with promising reports from initial implementation sites showing a notable decrease in absenteeism and an uptick in literacy and numeracy skills among students.
As Gwengere Primary School prepares for the rollout of the BEFIT program, the community looks forward to the potential transformation in educational outcomes that this innovative initiative promises to bring.