MPs laud use of tablets in primary schools

Parliamentary Committee on Education members have expressed optimism that the adoption of digital learning tools such as tablets will improve literacy competences among junior primary school learners. The Malawi Government in 2023 introduced Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (Befit) programme to 1 089 schools to support learners from Standard One to Four through digital learning tools. On Friday, the committee visited Chinyata Catholic Primary School in Traditional Authority Mavwere in Mchinji District to appreciate how the use of tablets and solar-powered systems are improving learning outcomes.

During the visit, the committee chairperson Mutani Tambala expressed satisfaction with the initiative. “The programme shows government’s commitment to improving access and equity in its primary schools,” she said. Tambala, however, was quick to note significant challenges, including overcrowding in classrooms and shortage of the learning materials.

Befit component manager Rabson Madi said the programme offers self-paced learning through specialised applications. He said studies have shown strong learning gains in literacy and numeracy while children’s excitement about school, attendance and confidence also improved. Madi said Malawi is one of the first countries to roll out a digital personalised learning solution nationwide and that it stands to serve millions of children in Malawi and create a roadmap for other countries.

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“Befit programme will not only improve children’s lives, but also transform Malawi’s education system and accelerate innovation,” he said. The school’s head teacher Teleza Sathawa noted that enrolment has increased from 650 to 1 366 in the 2025/26 academic year. Learner Eliza Phiri said she likes the tablet because when she makes a mistake, it tells her to try over until she gets it right. The software is in Chichewa and it supplements teacher-led instruction.

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