BY FLORENCE SINGANYAMA & MAYAMIKO CHIMBALI
The Government of India has donated 100, 000 secondary school text books to Malawi Government to help improve the quality of education in the country.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, William Susuwele Banda received the donation on behalf of the Malawi Government on Friday at Mkwichi Secondary School in Lilongwe.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, the Minister said the books will help government to fulfill its vision to provide quality and accessible education to its citizens.
“When we talk about quality education, we look at critical inputs which include relevant curriculum, availability of qualified teachers and relevant teaching and learning materials such as books,” said Banda.
The minister further said the donation was timely as it corresponds to the ministry’s current vision of reducing student: textbook ratio.
“As a Ministry, we are planning to replenish all secondary schools with Science and Mathematics books to the ratio of 1:1. Currently, the student: textbook ratio is at 10:1 in some subjects and 25:1 in other subjects,” the minister said.
Susuwele Banda then called upon other organisations and development partners to emulate the gesture demonstrated by the Government of India through donation of books.
“For us to deliver quality education, we need your support. Hence, I call upon the private sector, faith organisations, parents and other well-meaning citizens to come forth to support the Ministry in this endeavour,” the minister appealed.
In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner to Malawi, Anarag Bhushan said they donated the books as a way of demonstrating India’s support to Malawi Government’s determination in providing quality education.
“The giving of books is in support of the Government of Malawi’s efforts in encouraging students to access good education in various subjects through good books,” said the Indian Envoy.
