NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE ON SCHOOL AND COLLEGE CURRICULA & ASSESSMENT REVIEW
As the Civil Society Education Coalition’s Board Chair attends the event, Dr. Mangani Chilala Katundu, Secretary for Education, has highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive revision of the educational curricula for primary, secondary, and teacher education. This revision is essential for cultivating a workforce that is well-equipped to support Malawi’s aspirations as outlined in the Malawi 2063 vision.
The National Education Conference on School and College Curricula and Assessment Review, which commenced on Monday, April 22, and will conclude on Wednesday, April 24, was inaugurated by Dr. Katundu at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. He stressed the importance of aligning the school and college curricula with global, regional, and national policy frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4. This goal promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030. Furthermore, Dr. Katundu emphasized that the curricula should support Malawi 2063 vision’s enabler 5, focusing on human capital development to produce a globally competitive and motivated workforce.
Additionally, the curriculum revision will incorporate elements from the National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP) 2020–2030 and National Educational Standards (NES). Dr. Katundu noted that the updates will equip students with 21st-century skills necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and include critical contemporary issues such as gender equality, ICT, anti-corruption education, climate change, mental health, mindset change, governance, human rights, and disaster risk management.
Dr. Frank Mtemang’ombe, Executive Director of the Malawi Institute of Education (MIE), mentioned that prior to this ongoing conference, which has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including curriculum developers, implementers, academia, education administrators, researchers, activists, business leaders, development partners, and teacher educators, the MIE had engaged the general public, ministries, departments, and agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to solicit their insights on the new curricula. He reported that the feedback emphasized a focus on skill development and instilling values such as patriotism among learners.
Dr. Mtemang’ombe also announced plans for the phased implementation of the new curricula, starting in September of the 2024–2025 academic year, initially in lower grade classes in primary schools and in Forms 1 and 3 in secondary schools, with a full rollout expected across all classes by the 2025–2026 academic year.
Dr. Limbani Nsapato, Country Director for Edukans Malawi and Chairperson of the Civil Society Education Coalition Executive Committee, expressed his appreciation to the government for organizing the ongoing conference. He highlighted the necessity of revising the current curricula to respond to ongoing changes, impart essential skills to learners, and align with the strategic goals of the Malawi 2063 vision. Dr. Nsapato reiterated the sentiment that “Education Is Key” to achieving these ambitious goals.
