BEFIT Thrives at Matheni Primary School: A Model of Community Engagement

*standard 4 learners at Matheni demonstrating how the sessions are done*

In the heart of Mzimba North, Matheni Primary School recently hosted a transformative event aimed at deepening community understanding and support for the Building Educational Foundations through Innovation & Technology (BEFIT) program.

Parents gathered eagerly as traditional leaders took centre stage, underscoring their commitment to the program's long-term success.

The event unfolded with a vibrant showcase of drama, music, and a full demonstration of BEFIT sessions, showcasing the school's enthusiastic embrace of this innovative educational initiative.

Mphatso Kalambo, the School's Performance Officer, highlighted the event's significance in securing the program's future

"Our goal is to ensure that BEFIT becomes an integral part of our school's curriculum, fostering not just academic excellence but also holistic development among students." Said Kalambo.

Shadrake Mazunda, Chairperson of Matheni Village Development Committee, emphasized the event's importance from a community perspective

"This event is crucial in helping parents understand the BEFIT program and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our children's education and development." Said Mazunda.

The collaboration between school authorities, community leaders, and parents marks a best practice in BEFIT program implementation.

By integrating traditional cultural elements with modern educational strategies, Matheni Primary School exemplifies how community involvement can enhance educational outcomes and foster a supportive learning environment.

Moving forward, Matheni Primary School's dedication to BEFIT serves as a beacon of success, demonstrating how effective partnerships and community engagement can propel educational initiatives towards sustainable impact and excellence.

BEFIT is a child-directed, tech-enabled learning program that will improve the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of all learners in Standards 1-4 in Malawi.

At full scale, BEFIT will serve 3.5 million children per year across all 5,800 public primary schools in Malawi. This groundbreaking program is led by the Government of Malawi in partnership with Imagine Worldwide, onebillion, and VSO, among others.