Think Malawi is thrilled to share the exciting progress of the Technology Project at Lozi and Lunga Community Day and Nkhotakota Secondary Schools, which is being implemented by Umunthu Plus in Nkhotakota district, Malawi.
The project is giving an opportunity to three schools in Nkhotakota to have access to computer facilities and fast internet, a crucial step towards overcoming the gap in information and communication technology, thereby providing students with equal opportunities for success.
Project Officer, Promise Msampha, reports that Umunthu Plus has managed to increase the number of computers available to students, as well as install fast internet networks in the schools.
Since the inception of the project, Umunthu Plus has noted a significant increase in the number of female students enrolled in computer lessons, overcoming initial reluctance from these students to learn computer studies.
Promise Msampha said, "The availability of the computer lab, the mentorship, and coaching conducted in the schools have helped these female students embrace computer technology."
The number of students attending computer lessons has increased, and it is hoped that there will be an increase in students sitting for computer studies during this year’s national examination.
The installation of internet access in the schools has enabled students to research online, significantly boosting their academic progression. The teachers are also benefiting from this development, as they have been trained in internet access and the effective use of digital platforms for teaching.
This development has brought the schools together, allowing them to hold Zoom debate sessions, classes, and inter-school quiz competitions led by dedicated teachers from Nkhotakota Secondary School.
"Teachers are also delivering high-quality lessons in Mathematics and Biology to Form 3 students across all three schools, with an impressive total attendance of 320 enthusiastic students," Msampha said.
Despite the progress made, the schools have encountered some challenges along the way, including electricity blackouts during lessons. However, the schools’ solar radio devices help overcome this difficulty and supplement traditional teaching. Classes are recorded and aired on Umunthu FM, with each school having produced four radio programs covering subjects such as Geography, English, Chichewa, History, and Biology Life Skills.
The radio classes target learners in Forms 1, 3, and 4. Linga Secondary School has 145 students (75 female, 70 male), Nkhotakota Secondary hosts 160 students (56 female, 104 male), and Lozi Day Secondary School enrols 156 students (76 female, 80 male) who have attended the radio classes.
Written by Promise Msampha
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