Dowa, Malawi, 30 May 2025 - A new education initiative has been launched in Dowa District to promote child-centred inclusive learning and strengthen teaching quality in public primary schools. The project, titled “Upscaling Child-Centred Teaching in Malawi,” is led by DAPP Malawi, with the support of ENABEL, under the European Union’s Regional Teachers’ Initiative for Africa (RTIA) Facility programme.
Running until January 2027, the two-year project also aims to reduce school dropouts in public primary schools across Dowa District by introducing an innovative system in 40 public primary schools directly targeting 160 teachers and more than 18,000 learners. This system, called “The TRIO Method”, organises pupils into small teams of three to foster peer learning, mutual support and active classroom engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
The method makes it possible for learners in a large class to be more self-driven, to use peer-to-peer teaching and allows the teacher to have an overview over the class and to support where it is most needed.
In addition to classroom-level interventions, the project focuses on building the capacity of head teachers, Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), school inspectors and other education stakeholders. Strong collaboration with community actors—including Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), Mother Groups and School Management Committees—ensures shared responsibility and long-term sustainability of outcomes.
This initiative empowers teachers with practical tools and methods to better engage students and improve their learning outcomes. By working closely with local communities and education authorities, we are strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient education system, one where every child is seen, supported, and inspired. A teacher’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom, helping to shape the life skills, values, and attitudes that drive personal growth and strengthen society as a whole.
The project aligns with Malawi’s National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP) 2020–2030 and supports the country’s broader Malawi 2063 Agenda. It also builds on DAPP’s extensive experience through its four Teacher Training Colleges, ensuring sustainability, quality and potential for nationwide scalability.
About DAPP Malawi
DAPP Malawi is a locally registered NGO that complements Malawi Government’s efforts by implementing various social development projects in education, health, agriculture and community development. Their programs are aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda and the Malawi Vision 2063 to assist the Government attain the Sustainable Development Goals.
DAPP enables communities through collaborative, grassroots-driven initiatives. By mobilizing groups—such as farmers’ clubs, savings groups, or health support trios—we foster sustainable progress led by participants themselves. Communities track advancements using tailored tools: literacy test records, HIV testing cards, farm yield posters, or treatment adherence logs.
The goal is lasting impact: equipping communities to sustain progress independently after project funding ends. Success hinges on placing people first, ensuring they define goals, track achievements, and celebrate milestones. Celebrating milestones reinforces motivation, while measurable outcomes—from improved harvests to health gains—highlight tangible success, keeping people at the heart of every initiative.
