In support to the Ministry of Education’s Connect-a-School Program that aims to intervene in digitalising education in line with the Malawi 2063 agenda, leading telecommunications company Airtel Malawi and UNICEF have partnered to promote digitalisation in the sector for the next five years.
The ministry’s Connect-a-School program aims to equip public schools with state-of-the art technology that will enable students to access a range of advanced technological tools for the purpose of gaining and generating new knowledge and skills with which to transform their futures.
Airtel Malawi Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the project is part of the company’s commitment to support the Ministry of Education’s existing Connect-a School Program and empower the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
“Through our School Connectivity Project, we aim to support the Ministry’s efforts in creating an inclusive learning environment where every learner will have equal access to cutting-edge technology and the internet, enabling them to explore new horizons and unleash their full potential. Airtel Malawi appreciates the Ministry of Education’s continued commitment to deliver on its mandate to provide orientation and comprehensive training and support to teachers”, said Kamoto.
In support of this vision, Airtel Malawi and its partner UNICEF have equipped 9 selected schools with HD Smart TVs and tablets, backed by free internet connectivity for the duration of the project, to facilitate interactive and engaging multimedia experiences for learners.
On behalf of UNICEF Malawi Country Representative Shadrack Omol said digital literacy is part of the solution to improve learning for children that is why they felt it was necessary to partner with Airtel Malawi on this project.
“This project will help to strengthen children’s digital skills that will complement a good foundation for lifelong learning. Digital literacy supports learning and helps to prepare children and adolescents for school, work, and life. We need more teachers and schools to be connected to the Internet so that digital learning can be part of a basic package of essential learning services for every child, including in rural areas.” he said.
As a recipient and on behalf of the ministry of education, the minister Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima thanked the two organisation saying education is vital to the economic growth of a country, and the ministry is relentless in pursuing the fulfilment of equitable access to quality and relevant education for all in Malawi.
“As detailed in the National Education Sector Investment Plan the application of science, technology, and innovation techniques in all areas of education service delivery, including school internet connectivity, availability of and access to technological equipment by teachers and learners, utilisation of innovative training methodologies and tools, and access to sustainable energy sources that support and enhance teaching and learning experiences in our schools. Airtel Malawi and UNICEF’s School Connectivity Project vitally supports the Ministry’s Connect-a-School Program in this regard.” she said.
For the first year of the project, Airtel Malawi has channeled K117-million through UNICEF Malawi to procure nine state of the art Smart TV’s, 180 tablets and nine desktop computers for the nine schools as recommended by the Ministry of Education.
The first cohort of beneficiaries comprises Mangochi Secondary School in Mangochi, Linthipe Secondary School in Dedza, Chiwamba CDSS in Lilongwe, Nyungwe CDSS in Karonga, Kasakula CDSS in Ntchisi, Mzimba LEA in Mzimba, Chambe CDSS in Mulanje, Ligowe CDSS in Neno and Masenjere Primary School in Nsanje.
