Rabat, Morocco – Malawi’s Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko, highlighted the country’s commitment to lifelong learning at a recent summit in Rabat, Morocco. The summit focused on strengthening the Alliance of National Commissions and African Learning Cities, and launching the African Foundation for Lifelong Learning.
Mdooko applauded the Alliance, recognizing its potential to propel development across member nations. She also emphasized the importance of Foundational Learning, a crucial building block for lifelong educational achievement.
Malawi, according to Mdooko, has made significant strides in promoting lifelong learning opportunities. This is evidenced by the construction of 32 new Community Day Secondary Schools and over 16,000 Early Childhood Development Centers, with a focus on community-based childcare.
“We are grateful to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his leadership in establishing the African Foundation for Lifelong Learning,” said Mdooko. “This Foundation arrives at a critical moment and offers immense potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing across Africa.”
She underscored Malawi’s full support for the Foundation, particularly in the context of South-South cooperation. Mdooko views the Foundation as a powerful tool to address the various challenges hindering lifelong learning initiatives across the continent.
The Deputy Minister elaborated on Malawi’s efforts in the field of adult learning. These initiatives include the establishment of a National Adult Learning and Education (ALE) Task Force, encompassing government bodies, civil society organizations, NGOs, and the private sector.
Mdooko further highlighted the creation of a dedicated Foundation Learning Steering Committee with ALE sector representation, the adoption of a National Adult Learning and Education Policy and Strategic Plan, and the development of ALE Diploma Courses at two prominent institutions: the Catholic University and Magomero Community Development College.
The Ministry of Education, Mdooko assured, remains committed to fostering a strong foundation for education and lifelong learning opportunities for Malawians of all ages. This commitment aligns with the goals outlined in the Malawi National Education Investment Plan and the Malawi 2063 First 10 Years Implementation Plan (MIP-1).
