Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary Project

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As the implementation of the EQUALS Project continues, the civil works aspect is progressing well.

The project is constructing additional facilities at 103 schools in 13 districts in the country. The facilities include 88 twin science labs, 65 double classroom blocks, 105 toilets and 45 ICT/Libraries.

Here are some pictures capturing the progress of the construction.

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World Bank Country Director impressed with EQUALS progress

Visiting World Bank Country Director Nathan Belete has expressed satisfaction with the level of development the Malawi government is putting in the education sector.

He was speaking at Ching’ombe Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Nanjiri Lilongwe where he was visiting to appreciate some of the World Bank-funded projects in Malawi.

“We are excited about what we have seen today. We see this as an opportunity to enhance secondary education in the country. The level of construction is good and we are looking forward to seeing the structures ready for use soon,” he said after touring the progress of the civil works.

Added Belete: “Our goal is to keep children in school and so far, we are in the right direction.”

Director for Secondary Education Dr Florida Banda said the site visit was necessary as it accords the Bank team an opportunity to keep abreast with the progress of the project.

“It's important that they know what is happening on the ground. So far, we are happy with the progress.” She explained.

A double classroom block and a twin science laboratory are being constructed at the school through the Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (EQUALS) Project which the bank is funding to the tune of 90 million dollars.

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EQUALS Project undergoes Mid Term Review

The Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary – EQUALS Project is undergoing a Mid-Term Review (MTR) by the World Bank.

The main objective of the mission is to assess the components and subcomponents and the overall implementation in line with the Project Development Objective.

The MTR which is taking place at World Bank Malawi Country Office will also evaluate achievements, challenges and remaining interventions and see if they can be achieved in the remaining time.

The mission started last week with a visit to some of the EQUALS Project sites by the Bank’s team and the EQUALS Project staff led by the Director for Secondary Education, Dr Florida Banda. It is expected to be concluded on May 23, 2023.

The Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank through a credit facility of US$90 million is implementing the EQUALS Project in 13 selected districts of Chitipa, Karonga, Lilongwe, Mchinji, Kasungu, Salima, Zomba, Balaka, Neno, Mwanza, Chikwawa, Mulanje and Phalombe.

It seeks to address challenges affecting the delivery of education services in Secondary Schools in Malawi that eventually lead to low performance of pupils in Science and Mathematics subjects.

We were in the papers over the weekend.

The Ministry of Education is meeting the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology in Salima.

Among others, the meeting is to keep the members abreast of what the ministry does through its 17 directorates and the projects it is implementing including the Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (EQUALS).

The Minister of Education, Honourable Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima, M.P, is leading the meeting together with her deputy, Honourable Nancy Chaola Mdooko, MP, and Secretary for Education, Chikondano M***a.

In her opening remarks, M***a said being the biggest ministry in the country, each directorate is a heavy portfolio as they are dealing with a lot of policy issues among others.

The committee's chairperson Brainax Kaise on the other hand hailed the ministry for organising the meeting as it allows Members of Parliament to appreciate the efforts being undertaken by the government.

EQUALS trains Clerks of Works

As part of project implementation to ensure quality standards of the ongoing construction, the Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (EQUALS) Project is training its Clerks of Works (CoWs).

The 43 site inspectors are being enlightened on environmental and social safeguards including grievance redress management, quality management, and progress monitoring and reporting which is supported by real-time internet-based reporting systems.

The civil works for the Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary Project are progressing well in all 13 impact districts.

While the scope of work varies depending on needs of all the 103 sites, the construction of the additional school facilities is expected to be completed by 5 October 2023.

By the end of the civil works, the project will have constructed 88 twin science labs, 45 ICT and library blocks, 65 twin classrooms and 105 pit latrines across Malawi.

This part of the progress of the work...