Grant Support to Education Sector

First, the good news: Since Malawi introduced free primary education in 1994, the number of students enrolled in primary schools has increased by an impressive 60 per cent.

But now the not-so-good: The quality of education has struggled to keep pace with the growing numbers of students. Repetition rates are high and retention rates are low-particularly for girls and for students from poorer households.

Yet in order to reduce widespread poverty, Malawi needs to ensure consistent access to high-quality education for as many children as possible.

In partnership with CARE Canada, WUSC is implementing materials  the Grant Support to Education Sector - Phase II project (GSES II). Begun in 2003, this six-year initiative aims to strengthen the Malawi Ministry of Education's capacity to provide and manage the supply of high-quality, gender-sensitive educational materials for students, teachers, and teachers-in-training throughout the country.

Between now and late 2009, the expected results of GSES II include: 

• procurement and delivery of 10-15 million gender-sensitive teaching and learning materials, such as textbooks, workbooks and teachers' guides.
• a Ministry of Education that has an increased capacity to provide human resources, procedures and systems that will more effectively manage the planning, procurement and distribution of these educational 

WUSC believes in fostering human development through education and training. This project is helping ensure that basic education contributes effectively to a healthy, educated and productive workforce in Malawi.