The Ministry of Education has unveiled a series of transformative initiatives aimed at elevating the performance and reputation of Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) across the nation.
These initiatives, according to the ministry, are set to reshape the education landscape, ensuring a brighter future for students in these institutions.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer Mphatso Nkuonera has revealed that the ministry has started upgrading 21 CDSS under the Improving Secondary Education in Malawi (ISEM) Project.
According to Nkuonera, the upgrading process marks the beginning of a comprehensive transformation effort as the ministry looks forward to provide modern, conducive, and well-equipped learning environments for students.
“Under the Improving Secondary Education in Malawi (ISEM) Project, the Ministry has taken a significant step by upgrading 21 CDSSs. This is only the beginning, as the much-anticipated ISEM II project is set to commence in the first quarter of 2024, with the construction and upgrade of a whopping 40 secondary schools, of which 35 are CDSSs,” said Nkuonera.
Nkuonera added that the ministry has already rolled out another groundbreaking endeavor, the “Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (EQUALS)” project which aims to expand and upgrade a total of 103 secondary schools, with a significant emphasis on CDSSs.
“This project aims to expand and upgrade a total of 103 secondary schools, with a remarkable 71 of them being CDSSs. As part of this effort, the Ministry is constructing an impressive 190 additional classrooms, with the majority allocated to CDSSs. These expansions will not only accommodate more students but also create modern and well-equipped learning spaces,” added Nkuonera.
Recognizing the pivotal role of textbooks in a quality education system, Nkuonera said the ministry will ensure that Mathematics and Sciences textbooks are readily available in schools, including CDSSs.
Furthermore, the ministry is actively engaged in procuring textbooks for schools established after 2021, guaranteeing that students have access to the essential materials required for a comprehensive education.
“One of the key pillars of a quality education system is access to textbooks, and the Ministry of Education recognized this and made sure that Mathematics and Sciences textbooks are readily available in schools, including CDSSs. Moreover, the ministry is diligently working on procuring textbooks for schools that were established after 2021, ensuring that students have the necessary materials for a comprehensive education,” added Nkuonera.
To further enhance the quality of education, Nkuonera said the Ministry has established the “Teachers Council” designed to professionalize the teaching profession and improve the overall standard of education provided in CDSSs and other schools throughout the country.
The Ministry of Education is working tirelessly to enhance the performance of CDSSs through a series of comprehensive and visionary initiatives to underscore the commitment to providing every community and their students with a brighter and more promising future.
