CSEC WORRIED WITH THE COUNTRY’S DWINDLING EDUCATION STANDARDS
The Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has described the slight increase in the pass rate of Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) results, from 54.4% in 2023 to 54.79% in 2024 as a spotlight of persistent and significant challenges confronting Malawi’s education sector.
In a statement signed by CSEC chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, the organization commends the timely release of the MSCE results and the digital access provided, saying it represents significant steps towards transparency and efficiency in the examination process.
However, CSEC, said this year’s pass rate indicates that Malawi’s education system is failing to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
“Despite numerous reforms, the MSCE pass rate has hovered around 50% for over eight years. The marginal increase from 54.4% to 54.79% does little to inspire confidence in the country’s education system” reads part of the statement.
Meanwhile, CSEC said the widening gap between students in national and private secondary schools—where pass rates stand at 96.63% and 61.69%, respectively—compared to the below-50% rates in community day and district day secondary schools, highlights deep-seated educational inequalities
CSEC continued to say these disparities are driven by inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher-to-student ratios, and insufficient learning materials in public schools
Meanwhile, CSEC said to address the root causes of Malawi’s education crisis, there’s a need to launch a nationwide campaign to foster a mindset change, emphasizing discipline and commitment among learners and educators, and addressing societal perceptions that undermine the value of education.
“Undertake comprehensive education sector reform, focusing on enhanced teacher training, curriculum updates for 21st-century skills, and innovative pedagogical approaches to improve learning outcomes. Implement learner support mechanisms such as tutoring, mentoring, and counseling to address individual learning needs” states the statement.
Among others, CSEC has recommended that the government should invest in public school infrastructure, particularly in community day and district-day secondary schools, through classroom construction, provision of learning materials, and access to digital resources.
