By Burnett Munthali
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has underscored the pivotal role of School Management Committees (SMCs) in improving the quality of primary education in Malawi. Through its “School for All” project, JICA aims to enhance the capacity of these committees to address key challenges affecting schools, such as student dropouts.
Speaking during a training session in Mphongo Zone, Mzimba South, Pachalo Zgambo, a consultant for JICA, emphasized the importance of equipping SMCs with the knowledge and skills needed to address educational challenges at the grassroots level. “Active and empowered school committees are vital for fostering a conducive learning environment and reducing school dropouts,” said Zgambo.
The training, attended by committee members and education stakeholders, focused on strengthening the management of school affairs and promoting community involvement. It also introduced strategies for addressing barriers to education, such as poverty, cultural practices, and inadequate infrastructure.
Benson Tembo, the Primary Education Advisor for Mphongo Zone, lauded JICA’s efforts, noting that the program has introduced democratic practices in selecting committee members, ensuring transparency and equitable representation.
“This initiative ensures that school committees are representative of the communities they serve, making decision-making processes more inclusive and effective,” Tembo said.
The “School for All” project aims to enhance primary education through collaborative management between schools and communities. As part of its broader mission, JICA plans to expand similar training sessions to other districts, including Lilongwe, to ensure that school committees nationwide are well-equipped to contribute to educational development.
This initiative is in line with Malawi’s commitment to improving access to quality education for all children and achieving the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of inclusive and equitable education.
By empowering school committees, JICA is fostering a stronger partnership between schools, communities, and the government to address the challenges facing primary education in Malawi. This approach is expected to lead to improved learning outcomes and greater community ownership of education initiatives.
