USAID/Malawi launches Interactive Radio Instruction
 |  |
Photo: US Embassy in Malawi. |
|
Malawi’s education system struggles with large class sizes, limited supplies, and insufficiently
trained teachers. The USAID-supported Tikwere interactive radio instruction project is part of an
effort to improve the teaching and learning conditions for over 3 million pupils in the primary
schools.
Meaning “let’s climb” in Chichewa, one of Malawi’s national languages, Tikwere is broadcast
national on the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, with two 30-minute programs for Standard 1
daily. Broadcasts include stories, activities, and exercises that require interactive action of both
pupils and teachers.
 | | |
Photo: US Embassy in Malawi. |
|
The program is based on a new curriculum and will reinforce instructional strategies that
emphasize student-centered approaches, active learning, and equitable classroom management
for Grades 1-3 nationwide. Over 800,000 pupils in Standard 1 and their 8,000 teachers tune in to
the program on 10,000 wind-up radios in over 5,300 public schools.
The official program launch ceremony took place on January 18th, 2008 in the presence of US
Ambassador to Malawi, Alan Eastham, and the honorable Deputy Minister of Education in charge
of basic education Mrs Olive Masanza, MP, at Kachere Primary School in Blantyre, the country’s
largest city. With a past history of distance education, the revitalization of radio instruction has
been warmly received in the country. Masanza declared, "There has been a big outcry from the
public that the radio programs should come back...Tikwere programs have been well received by
learners, teachers, and community." In addition to assisting in the rollout of the new reform,
Tikwere aims to improve learner achievement, increase school enrollment and close the gender
and geographical gaps related to achievement gains. “Using radio,” Masanza added, “we in the
education sector are addressing issues of access, quality, and equity."
 |
| Photo: US Embassy in Malawi. |
|
| |
 |
| Photo: US Embassy in Malawi. |
|
USAID technical and financial support totals $5.3 million
for the three-year Tikwere/IRI program (2007-2010) in
Malawi. Funding comes from the Congressionally
mandated School Fees Initiative, which aims to address
the hidden costs of schooling in two countries
specifically selected in Africa, Malawi and the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Back to Top ^
|
