By Vincent Gunde

Transfers in and out of trained teachers have led to the reduction of teachers doing Up – scaling child – centered teaching in Malawi (TRIO) project in Dowa district.

A TRIO is a group of three learners from the same class and geographic area with varying academic strength, the methodology was designed to improve learner engagement and classroom participation ensuring that learners can collaborate on study tasks even outside the classroom.NLGFC, E – Government sensitizes Dowa Council on Harmonized ICT policy

The TRIO methodology also supports teachers to address common classroom challenges such as large class sizes, limited teaching and learning materials, lesson organization difficulties, and low learner participation.

The Development Aid from People to People ( DAPP) is implementing a two year ENABEL – upscaling child – centered teaching in Malawi (TRIO) project with support from the European Union (EU) via ENABEL ( Belgium Development Agency) targeting 40 (200) primary schools and 200 ( 800) teachers in Dowa district.

Presenting the project progress update to the District executive committee (Dec) in Dowa, DAPP’s TRIO project Lead Ken Mwakikunga, said the TRIO methodology is being implemented in eight Teacher Development Centres of the district such as Chibwata, Nalunga, Kambulu, Chigudu, Kanyenje, Kafumphe, Senga, and Mtunthama.

Mwakikunga said the project has the objective of enhancing teachers’ capabilities for improved learning outcomes and social – emotional development of children in targeted primary schools.Dowa and Ntchisi Communities Welcome Land Adjudication Under SAMALA Project

He said through the TRIO system, teachers are being empowered to manage large, diverse classrooms by grouping students based on ability, allowing tailored assignment and improving learning outcomes of school going children in the targeted primary schools.

The project Lead said the project has trained 160 teachers, 40 teachers, 40 Head teachers, 24 Primary Education Advisors, and 12 Zonal Officers on TRIO methodology, carried out school supervisions, coaching and mentorship on teachers, school monitoring visits by education stakeholders, supported PEA’s to supervise TRIO implementation, and cascading activities, among others, describing these as achievements of the TRIO methodology.

“The TRIO methodology has strengthened community participation, foundational reading, increased school attendance, reduced waiting time, and improved time – on – task,” said Mwakikunga.

He said the project in year 2 of its sustainability, will increase the number of primary schools from 40 to 200 schools – reaching 800 primary school teachers as well as Head teachers, and School Management bodies, saying the scale up to 200 schools is to be done by the Ministry of Education with less support from the project compared to year one.

On plans for the quarter, Mwakikunga said the project will scale up training of 200 Head teachers from 200 primary schools, support PEAs, Headteachers to conduct cascade trainings in 200 additional schools on the TRIO methodology, among others.Dowa district to light up with thanks to ESCOM ASCENT Malawi project

In his remarks, Dowa District Council’s Principal Environmental Officer Yusuf Laki, thanked DAPP for presenting to Dec an update of the project it is implementing in the district.

Laki urged all partners that it is the wish of the council to see to it that all projects are progressing well advising them that sharing reports to Dec will enhance cooperation, transparency and accountability on the projects being implemented.