LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has emphasised the need for a cordial relationship with Malawi Government through the Ministry of Education to spur the development agenda.
CSEC Board Chairperson Dr Limbani Nsapato observes that for some time, the relationship between government and civil rights groups has not been cordial hence the call.
Nsapato was speaking to the press after the official opening of the coalition’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lilongwe on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
He therefore urged government to motivate teachers especially those in primary schools through promotions and professional development.
Nsapato said the coalition’s role is to amplify the challenges facing teachers to bring them to the attention of the government.
“We are not the enemy of the state but rather partners in education development. Despite some tension with government, we still need cordial relationship for the better education sector.
“The coalition advocates for the teachers support. Most of the teachers are demotivated because of their salaries, promotions and professional development,” he said.
Nsapato added that the coalition also compliments the efforts by government citing policy and strategy for continuous professional development by introducing diplomas and degrees for teachers.
“We need to ensure that opportunities for professional development should extend to all teachers and not to benefit few,” he observed.
Deputy Director responsible for Teachers Education and Development in the Ministry of Education, Rose Kalizang’oma said the ministry has a reform area and one of it is to motivate teachers.
“The motivation is not only for primary teachers but for both primary and secondary school teachers with promotions as one of them,” she said.
Kalizang’oma disclosed that the ministry plans to introduce degrees and diplomas to motivate primary school teachers.
She therefore applauded the collaboration the coalition has with government to improve quality education in Malawi.
The AGM was under the theme; “United Civil Society for Meaningful Contribution Towards the Education Transformation Agenda in Malawi.”
