Malawi, Lilongwe: The government of Malawi launched the National Adult Literacy and Education Strategy (2022-2027) on November 30, 2023. The ceremony for the launch of this remarkable initiative took place at Crossroads hotel in Lilongwe.
Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza presided over the event. Among other things, the strategy advocates for inclusion of vocational skills training in the literacy and numeracy classes.
The initiative seeks to bring this learning facility in all adult education learning centres in the country. The Minister also delivered brief remarks at the event, saying that the launch of the strategy marks a significant milestone.
She revealed that the administration of Malawi is committed to advancing education and enlightenment among youths and adults. Sendeza said literacy and adult education play a critical role in shaping the future of individuals and communities.
She further added that once it is fully implemented, the strategy will break chains of limited opportunities, financial disadvantage and social exclusion among Malawians.
She cited skills such as tyre fitting, motorbike repairing and hairdressing, which will help communities to be self reliant and aid in the attainment of sustainable development at individual, community and national levels.
Therefore, Jean Sendeza called upon stakeholders to identify areas in the strategy which they will support and report progress annually untill 2027.
The minister said to ensure the strategy goals are fully achieved, on their part as ministry, they will lobby for more funding towards the Department of Community Development in the 2024/25 budget to ensure adult literacy and education centres are well equipped.
She also commended DVV International and the German Government for their work in the implementation of the strategy. The work included:
- Supporting the development of the strategy and national adult literacy education policy,
- Establishment of skills development centres in Dowa and Ntchisi
- Establishment of Adult Literacy and Education Management Information Systems (ALEMIS).
Speaking earlier, Principal Secretary responsible for Finance and Adminstration in the Ministry of Gender, Nwazi Mnthambala said the ministry values the multisectoral approach in promoting Adult Literacy and Education.
She thanked Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Development Partners, Civil Societies and all stakeholders who are investigating in adult education. She also added that the goals in the strategy would be realised once they collectively work together in its implementation