First Lady Monica Chakwera says there is need for collaborated efforts in exploring ways of coming up with a modern education system that can assist many learners, more especially girls to attain their education without challenges.
Chakwera made the call at Likuni Girls Secondary School on Saturday during the school’s 60th anniversary of educating girl child in the country.
She said with the rising numbers of leaners in many schools across the country, there is need for the country to think of using modern technology in providing lessons to learners, a development she described as cost-effective.
“When you go to other countries, leaners are able to get their lessons right in their homes using their gadgets. This is the direction we should be taking as we look forward to 2063 vision,” she said.
Chakwera then thanked the Roman Catholic Church and other churches in the country for complimenting government efforts in improving education standards in the country.
She then encouraged learners, especially girls coming from poor families to work hard in class and never focus on their challenges, saying anyone who is focused and has a goal in life can excel in education.
“I grew up in remote areas and through struggles, but I managed to pursue my education. My village life was not a hindrance to my ambitions in life.
“I worked hard and from this school I was selected to Polytechnic, and I ended up a chartered accountant just like those who were coming from well-to-do families,” she said.
Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of Lilongwe Archdiocese condemned the behaviour of some learners who destroy school infrastructure whenever they have misunderstandings with the school administration.
Bishop Tambala said destroying school infrastructure is destroying the future of the generation to come who would equally benefit from such developments.
Headteacher for the school, Sister Malia Nyendwa, said the school is coming up with different initiatives aimed at making the school self-reliant, and which can also improve the well-being of the learners at the school.
“We have come up with backyard garden where we are growing vegetables and tomatoes so that our learners eat fresh and nutritious food. We are also keeping dairy cows that produce a lot of milk that is sold to the surrounding communities and we give some to our learners for their good health,” she said.
However, Sister Nyendwa asked well-wishers to assist the school in expanding the library, replacing rooftops of old buildings and constructing other buildings as the school enrolment keeps increasing.
Likuni Girls Secondary School was officially opened on October 28, 1963 and the First Lady is one of the school’s alumni.
During the occasion, whose theme was “Celebrating 60 Years of Educating Girl Child”, Chakwera assisted the school with K1 million.