By Wezzie Gausi:
The government is advancing plans to introduce diploma-level qualifications for primary school teachers as part of efforts to improve quality of education.
Education, Science and Technology Minister Bright Msaka said the move was aimed at ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to changing demands in the education sector.
“We are also advancing the transition towards diploma in primary education for primary school teachers while strengthening continuous professional development and the capacity of teacher educators to prepare teachers for the changing demands of the profession,” Msaka said.
He said quality education depended on well-prepared, competent and motivated teachers, adding that investing in their professional development was key to achieving the country’s development aspirations.
“Teachers are at the heart of Malawi’s human capital development. Teachers shape the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes of our children and young people, while teacher educators prepare and support the professionals who carry this responsibility into our classrooms,” he said.
Civil Society Education Coalition Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe welcomed the government’s move.
However, Kondowe expressed concern over the high unemployment rate among qualified teachers.
“The government should find ways of employing more qualified teachers to improve staffing levels and ensure learners receive adequate attention in classrooms,” Kondowe said.