By Twink Jones Gadama
A call has been made by education experts in Malawi to the Ministry of Education to reconsider its stance on teachers who missed the December 31, 2024, registration deadline with the Teachers Council of Malawi. The experts, Wesley Mwambakulu and Dr. Foster Lungu, expressed concerns that many teachers faced technical difficulties, particularly those residing in rural areas, which hindered their ability to register on time.
According to Mwambakulu, approximately 20,000 teachers remain unregistered, and he has urged the ministry to engage with them to find a solution. He emphasized that while regulation of the teaching profession is essential, it is equally important to consider the challenges faced by teachers in rural areas.
Dr. Lungu echoed Mwambakulu’s sentiments, stating that registering teachers is crucial for maintaining sanity in the education system. However, he also advocated for flexibility in considering qualified teachers who failed to register due to various reasons.
In response to the concerns raised by the experts, Ministry of Education publicist Mphatso Nkuonera announced that the registration period has been extended, although a new deadline has not been specified. Nkuonera emphasized that unregistered teachers will not be allowed to teach from Monday, January 6.
The registration drive is part of the government’s efforts to regulate the teaching profession and ensure that all teachers meet the necessary standards. As of September 30, 2024, over 65,000 teachers had received their teaching licenses, with the Ministry of Education expressing appreciation for the teachers’ compliance with the registration requirements.
The Teachers Council of Malawi, established in 2013, is responsible for overseeing teacher registration, licensing, and upholding teaching standards. The council’s role is crucial in ensuring that teachers are equipped to provide quality education to Malawian students.
As the Ministry of Education navigates the complex issue of teacher registration, it is essential to strike a balance between regulation and flexibility. By engaging with unregistered teachers and considering their challenges, the ministry can work towards finding a solution that benefits both the teachers and the education system as a whole.
In related news, the Ministry of Education has been working to improve the education sector in Malawi, with initiatives such as the introduction of tablet-based learning and the development of online learning platforms. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of education and provide teachers with the necessary tools to deliver effective instruction.
As the education sector in Malawi continues to evolve, it is crucial that the Ministry of Education, teachers, and stakeholders work together to address the challenges faced by the sector. By doing so, they can ensure that Malawian students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in an increasingly competitive world.
