By Mercy Garnet
Thyolo, June 14, Mana: Learners in adult literacy have asked government and key stakeholders to consider incorporating English as a subjects in their education for the programme to be effective and to contribute positively to the national development.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday, one of the learners from Piyama Village in the district, Mercy McPherson said there was need for an English teacher for them to learn how to speak English as currently Chichewa has been mastered.
“We can read, write and sign in Chichewa but what is remaining is to learn English; so we need an English teacher,” said McPherson.
Meanwhile, a teacher from Nachipere Community Based Center, Annie Tomato said that teaching adults was already a challenge on its own.
“It is very difficult for them to grasp a point compared to children. Therefore I cannot manage to teach both subjects because I need enough time to concentration on one subject for good results,” said Tomato.
Thyolo District Community Development Officer, Joseph Banda said that adult literacy is helpful in the acquisition of knowledge as people are able to do simple calculations and even know how to follow agriculture instructions even but they are crippled by challenges.
“Apart from learning materials, an English teacher is indeed needed so that learners can be able to speak and read articles in English,” said Kaunda.
According to the office of Community Development there are 359 functional classes in the district.
Last cycle of adult literacy ended in December 2021 and they are yet to receive their certificates.
