Education minister Nyalonje pledges to adopt Open Distance Learning policy
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Agnes NyaLonje has reaffirmed government’s commitment to speed up the formulation of Open Distance Learning (ODL) Policy which would allow the Malawi College of Distance Education (MCDE) to be independent in its operation.
She said this on Friday during a familiarisation tour of MCDE offices in Blantyre.
The minister said in the absence of the policy, the institution was facing a number of challenges such as understaffing and lack of staff promotions, among others.
NyaLonje said: “We are working around the clock to employ more teachers so that the institution can deliver its heart best in the wake of Covid-19.
“Another issue is promotions, we will work very hard so that teachers are motivated enough to perform.”
She said MCDE was crucial to sustaining Open Distance Learning (ODL) for students who are currently at home following the closure of schools due to Covid-19 pandemic.
On his part, MCDE acting deputy director Henry Gwede said there are only 49 staff members against 125 required to ensure smooth running of services, representing only 39.2 percent filled posts.
He asked government to purchase new machines so that the institution can meet school’s demands.
Said Gwede: “Most equipment here is archaic. For example, the printing machine was commissioned in 1991; hence, our plea to the minister for more financial and machinery support.”
MCDE was established in 1965 to provide ODL.
Everyone wants a promotion but they fail to work. With so many people out of work why not try firing those that do not wish to work and hire those qualified and promote them for working hard even when you are understaffed. Staff at Organisations like this forget what their jobs are to assist and teach the students who are paying for a service. With all the complaints listed in the article it is doubtful this organisation is qualified to teach a goat
This woman is active but no achievement. she thinks she can be wiser than Susuwele Banda who has been an educationist all his life. I now realise why people were crying foul about these ministers. We have gospel Kadzako a complete misfit and there is Sean Kampondeni who seems not to believe of the glory that has befallen him that his father in law is now president. and we have this terrorist leader Ntambo who thinks he has the magic to unit MAlawians. The first step is for him to apologise to Malawians for the violence he cause with his… Read more »
Typical example of a relic of a CADET 😂
Accept kuti ur then ministers are no longer valid whether they had education or not. The only thing to is to give constructive criticisms. You won’t bring Susuwele back.look at your rotten government. Aren’t you ashamed.
Koma cadets.
Last week week she said the education system.is rotten…ndiye mufuna mubweretse chani??…..😂😂😂😂 Tiyeni nazo
Ntima wasanje kkk.Poti iyeyo anaphunzira pa Mpherembe MCDE.Zachikale kale kkkk.
Bodza