By Elywin Chighali Mhango
Domasi College of Education (DCE) celebrated a pivotal moment in Malawi’s educational landscape today with its 27th graduation ceremony, honoring 498 new teachers ready to make a difference in the country’s classrooms.
Attended by government officials, educational stakeholders, and proud family members, the ceremony underscored the vital role of education in addressing Malawi’s significant educational challenges. The Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Nancy Chaola Mdooko, was the guest of honor, delivering an inspiring speech on behalf of Honourable Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima.
In her address, Hon. Mdooko highlighted the transformative power of teachers and urged the graduates to fully embrace their new responsibilities. “We are here to celebrate your achievements and welcome you into the noble profession of teaching,” she remarked. She encouraged the graduates to commit to lifelong learning and dedication in their teaching careers.
The Deputy Minister further outlined the government’s long-term vision for education encapsulated in the Malawi 2063 agenda, which aims to create an inclusive, wealthy, and self-reliant nation. She noted, “Currently, only 16% of secondary school-age children are enrolled in secondary education,” stressing the urgent need to enhance both access to and quality of education in the country.
Malawi is working to significantly increase its number of secondary school teachers from 13,673 to over 50,000 by 2030, with a focus on expanding the supply of educators in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. “We must collaborate to ensure that more of our youth can access quality education and acquire the skills needed for future employment,” she concluded.
Hon. Mdooko also extended her gratitude to development partners, particularly the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for their vital support in enhancing DCE’s infrastructure. “We are immensely grateful for their commitment to improving education in Malawi,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in driving educational progress.