BEFIT Program Earns Recognition in Malawi's State of the Nation Address
President of the republic of Malawi His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera (pic by State House Malawi)
During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Friday, February 9, 2024, President of the republic of Malawi His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera commended the nationwide endeavours of the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program.
We distributed about 68,000 tablets to 498 primary schools and trained 689 officers and 2,600 teachers through the BEFIT Programme because our kids deserve to be given digital literacy," remarked Dr. Chakwera, acknowledging the significance of the BEFIT Program
The President's recognition of the importance of digital literacy underscores the government's steadfast commitment to equipping Malawi's children with essential skills for the modern world.
Ulalo, a proud member of the BEFIT consortium, it operates in Mzimba District, specifically in Mzimba North and Mzimba South. Ulalo stands as a significant contributor to the achievements highlighted in the SONA, playing a pivotal role in the distribution of 9,516 tablets to 99 primary schools in Mzimba District. Additionally, 142 officers and 829 teachers have undergone specialized training facilitated by Ulalo, ensuring the effective integration of digital tools in the educational landscape.
Ualo’s Executive Director James Gondwe during a monitoring visit at Bawa FP School
What sets Ulalo apart is its unwavering commitment to community involvement. Beyond providing the tablets and trainings for officers and teachers, Ulalo has successfully mobilized 3,378 community members surrounding the schools who are also actively contributing to the success of the initiative. This collaborative effort not only enhances the reach of the BEFIT initiative but also ensures its sustainability by fostering a sense of local ownership.
The success story in Mzimba District resonates on a national level, exemplifying the transformative power of NGO-Government collaboration. Ulalo’s active role in the BEFIT program, aligns seamlessly with the government's vision for the future of education in Malawi.
With the BEFIT program reaching an impressive 29,759 children in grades 1-4 in Mzimba District alone, the impact is tangible and far-reaching. Ulalo is happy that this impact transcends to the national level and is recognized in the SONA as a catalyst for positive change in education.
Looking ahead, Ulalo remains resolute in its dedication to empowering Malawi's children. Our commitment extends beyond providing quality education; we strive to equip them with the digital skills essential for success in the continually evolving global landscape. The acknowledgment in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) not only highlights Ulalo's unwavering dedication but also acts as a potent catalyst for the ongoing success in reshaping the educational trajectory of Malawi's children.
The BEFIT Programme is implemented by the Malawi Government with funding from different partners like Imagine World Wide, One Billion, JBJ foundation, VSO, and other partners.