ECELIN Project: Improving Literacy and Numeracy Skills in the Nkhotakota District

Think Malawi is delighted to announce a new education project in partnership with Umunthu Plus. Together, we will support children in the Nkhotakota District to develop essential literacy and numeracy skills.

Education gives children the foundations to build brighter futures. However, many students in Malawi still face challenges with basic reading, writing and mathematics.

To help address this, we are launching the Enhancing Inclusive Community Engagement in Literacy and Numeracy (ECELIN) Project.

Running from November 2026 to November 2027, the project will support the students at Matamangwe and Chongole primary schools, with the aim of improving educational outcomes for 3,159 children.

Building stronger foundations for learning

Baseline assessments found that only 634 children demonstrated literacy skills, while 361 demonstrated numeracy skills. The ECELIN project aims to increase the proportion of schoolchildren reaching grade-level proficiency in reading, writing and basic mathematics to at least 60% by 2027.

To achieve this, the project will focus on improving teaching and giving children more opportunities to develop their skills. Activities will include:

• Workshops for teachers to share effective teaching methods

• Teacher training in child-friendly teaching, digital skills and inclusive approaches

• Regular assessments to identify children who need additional support

• School and inter-school quizzes and writing competitions

• Mentorship clubs for students to learn from and support one another

• Providing learning materials aligned with the national curriculum

• Supporting parents and communities

Children’s education does not stop at the classroom door. Parents and local communities also have an important role to play. Umunthu Plus will work with Parent-Teacher

Associations, School Management Committees, mothers’ groups and parents to encourage greater involvement in children’s learning.

By bringing schools and communities together, the project aims to create a stronger support network for the children at Matamangwe and Chongole primary schools.

Working together to improve education in Malawi

This project builds on Think Malawi’s existing partnership with Umunthu Plus, which has previously delivered education initiatives in Nkhotakota District.

Our previous work included a technology project in which three secondary schools were provided with computers, internet access and teacher training, alongside helping increase opportunities for girls to take part in computer studies.

We are pleased to continue working with Umunthu Plus on this new project to tackle barriers to education and improve opportunities for children in Malawi.

Over the coming year, we look forward to sharing updates from Matamangwe and Chongole as the project develops.

Thank you to everyone who supports Think Malawi. Your generosity helps make projects like this possible, creating opportunities for children to access a better education and build a brighter future.

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To find out more about our work supporting education in Malawi, visit our projects page.