As part of the ongoing refresher training for educators and stakeholders, we had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with two Primary Education Advisors (PEAs): Mr. Charle from Ulongwe Zone and Miss Balije from Namalumba. Their insights shed light on critical issues affecting primary education in Malawi, including dropout trends, school feeding programs, student security, and efforts to address School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). Here are the key takeaways from the discussion:

Dropout Trends: A Seasonal Challenge 

One of the most pressing issues highlighted was the seasonal dropout trend, particularly between January and February. Mr. Charle explained that hunger is a significant factor, especially for children in Early childhood Development (ECD) programs. Without adequate nutrition, many students are unable to attend school regularly, leading to increased absenteeism and eventual dropouts.

School Feeding Programs: A Game-Changer 

To combat hunger and improve student engagement, four schools in the region have implemented feeding programs. These initiatives have shown promising results in encouraging attendance and retention. Miss Balije emphasized the importance of expanding such programs to more schools, as they not only address immediate nutritional needs but also create a more conducive learning environment.

Student Security: Safety in Numbers 

Both PEAs noted that student security is well-maintained, with children walking to and from school in groups. This practice has significantly reduced risks and ensured safer journeys for students, particularly girls.

Efforts by the Ministry of Education: Progress on SRGBV 

The Ministry of Education has made commendable progress in addressing school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). Key steps include:

– Recognizing the dangers of SRGBV and incorporating it into the school code of conduct.

– Developing guidelines to tackle SRGBV, though full implementation is still underway.

These efforts reflect a growing commitment to creating safer and more inclusive learning environments for all students.

Strategies to Reduce SRGBV and Dropout Rates

To further address SRGBV and reduce dropout rates, the PEAs shared several effective strategies:

– Regular Follow-Ups on Absenteeism: Monitoring attendance patterns helps identify at-risk students and intervene early.

– Empowering Mother Groups: These community-based groups play a vital role in supporting students, particularly girls, and encouraging them to stay in school.

Enrollment and Dropout Patterns: A Gender Perspective

While more girls than boys are enrolling in school, the dropout rate for boys is higher. This trend highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by male students.

Challenges at Chilumba School: Limited Access to Higher Grades

At Chilumba School, approximately 47% of girls drop out after Class 7 due to the school’s limited offerings. The requirement to transfer to a distant school for further education discourages many students, particularly girls, from continuing their studies. This issue underscores the need for expanded educational infrastructure and support for students transitioning to higher grades.

Challenges for Students with Disabilities: A Call for Inclusive Education 

Students with disabilities face significant barriers due to a lack of trained special education teachers. Currently, only one such teacher serves the entire district, leaving many students without the support they need. A key recommendation from the discussion is for the Ministry of Education to integrate special needs education into the teacher training curriculum. This step would ensure that all teachers are equipped to support students with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equity in education.