Extra Curriculum activities equip pupils with new skills
The 400 Primary Schools is a DAPP Malawi’s education program that brings together and encourages graduated teachers from DAPP Teachers Training Colleges (TTC) to stick together. They meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge on how they can improve the learning and living environments around their various schools.
Austin Banda is member of network also known as We do more teachers. He graduated from DAPP Chilangoma TTC in 2008 and is currently teaching in standard 7 at Mchilingano Primary school in Mchengawedi education zone traditional authority Malemia in Zomba district.
“I teach Expressive arts, Chichewa, Life skills and Religious education. Apart from these, the 400 primary school network teaches us the importance of holding extra curriculum activities. One of the activities that I host is organizing learners in small groups where they help each other in learning, this is called club. The learners are currently learning the art of sewing through the production of various sports attires” says Austin.
Through these lessons, leaners are then able to pass the skills on to their fellow learners, family members and the community “The lesson shall help learners to make their clothes and sell some to earn and income” said Austin
The 400 Primary Schools project started in 2012 with 16 teachers but is currently working with 100 teachers who are working in 80 primary schools across 18 districts in Malawi.
