Three Italian Organisations Praise DAPP Malawi's Efforts in Promoting Quality Education
Officials from three Italian organisations namely Humana People to People (HPP); Centre for New Development (CND) and VIVI Balon visited Chisenjere Primary School on March 8 2018 to appreciate implementation of the 400 Primary Schools program by Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Malawi.
The idea behind 400 Primary Schools is to provide the opportunity for teachers graduated from DAPP Teacher Training Colleges who are working in government primary schools to stick together and support each other in improving the schools, where they are working.
The officials comprising HPP Italy Chairperson Karina Bolin, HPP Italy Programs Manager Pietio Luppi, VIVI Balon Vice President Alexandro Stillo and CND President Francesco Gesoaldi visited the school on 8 March 2018 and were pleased when they learnt from one of the teachers Matildar Banda that the program has strengthened the school’s relationship with the surrounding communities. “As teachers in the 400 Primary Schools Programme we engage surrounding communities on issues that affect them and ensure we collaboratively bring a change,” said Banda who graduated from DAPP Chilangoma Teacher Training College in 2008.
Concurring with Banda on how the programme has benefitted the school and its surrounding communities, headteacher Bruno Chafikana commended the 400 Primary Schools for improving the school's general outlook. " Through the program, we successfully engaged the surrounding communities in renovating some of the school’s buildings and planted about 100 trees. The school really looks smart," he said.
Speaking on behalf of the three organisations, Bolin praised the program saying it is fundamental to the welfare of teachers, pupils and entire Malawians because from her observation the 400 Primary Schools is effective and will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals on Education, Health, Sanitation and Climate Action. “I am happy to see how DAPP Malawi is promoting quality education, health and sanitation in Malawi. I hope the organisation will continue with such programmes in the future," She said.
400 Primary Schools program started in April 2012 and it has 87 teachers working in 56 primary schools across Malawi. The teachers participate in the program on voluntary basis and meet every month at a nearby DAPP Teacher Training College for monthly coordination, planning and evaluation meetings