THEFT OF 15 COMPUTERS AT PHALOMBE SECONDARY SCHOOL RETROGRESSIVE TO DIGITAL LEARNING

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has reported that 15 computers donated by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to Phalombe Secondary School are missing.

The computers were provided to the school through the Connect a School Project, aimed at promoting digital learning in the country.

In an interview on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer for the ministry, Mphatso Nkuonera, confirmed the incident and described it as a setback to the ministry’s philosophy of embracing digital learning, which represents a migration from traditional manual methods.

He added that it is unfortunate this incident occurred at a time when the ministry is working hard to distribute tablets to primary schools through the six-year flagship project, the Building Education Foundations Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program, which is expected to conclude in 2029. The tablet-based learning initiative aims to support early grade learners, particularly those in standards 1 to 4.

“Unfortunately, this theft is a serious setback because it undermines the journey towards digital learning. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education continues to distribute tablets to primary schools through the BEFIT program, which is designed to conclude in 2029,” Nkuonera stated.

He called upon the communities surrounding the schools in Malawi to take responsibility and assist the ministry in safeguarding these valuable resources.

Meanwhile, Nkuonera also mentioned that the matter has been reported to the police in Phalombe, and investigations are underway to establish the facts. He added that the ministry will continue to update the public as developments occur.