Tablets lure pupils back to school in Lilongwe
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says its tablet-based learning programme is drawing more children to classrooms and improving basic reading and numeracy skills in early years of learning in Lilongwe. During a media tour of selected schools under the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (Befit) initiative in Lilongwe District on Friday, the … The post Tablets lure pupils back to school in Lilongwe appeared first on Nation Online.
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Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says its tablet-based learning programme is drawing more children to classrooms and improving basic reading and numeracy skills in early years of learning in Lilongwe.
During a media tour of selected schools under the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (Befit) initiative in Lilongwe District on Friday, the ministry’s spokesperson Lilly Kampani said the adaptive learning model is proving effective in tackling long-standing challenges in foundational education.
She said the initiative is beginning to shift learning outcomes in standards one to four, with early signs of higher enrolment, better attendance and faster comprehension among pupils.
Said Kampani: “Learner engagement has improved significantly. Pupils are more focused when using the tablets and can follow instructions more easily.
“Because the system allows each learner to progress at their own pace, it strengthens understanding.”
The tour covered Nasala Primary School in Lilongwe Rural West and Patsankhondo Primary School in Lilongwe Rural East.
Education authorities in both zones report that the technology is not only improving classroom participation but also helping to curb absenteeism.
Lilongwe Rural West principal education officer Faida Yonamu said the programme is attracting more learners to school while accelerating their grasp of basic concepts.
“We are seeing increased enrolment as more children are coming to school. Reading and numeracy skills have improved, making it easier for pupils to understand lessons,” she said.
Yonamu said 37 schools and about 18 000 learners in the zone are benefitting from Befit, adding that expansion would extend gains to more communities.
In Lilongwe Rural East, principal education officer Clement Chikankha said dropout rates have declined as interest in learning grows.
“Previously, we had high dropout rates, but these have reduced. Learners are now attending classes more consistently,” he said, noting that about 40 schools and 28 000 learners are enrolled in the programme.
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