Malawi Education Reform Programme MERP

Enita Kamponda is celebrating her son’s return to school.

Promise Kamponda once dropped out in Standard Four and started selling mice by the roadside to earn money. His mother, Enita, was deeply worried about his future.

Through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), a Learner Mentor visited their home and helped him see the value of education.

“Now, he goes to school without being forced,” Enita shares.

Today, Promise is back in class and in Standard Six, a powerful reminder that with the right support, every child can get back on track.

NANJIWA PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORTS IMPROVED LEARNER PERFORMANCE THROUGH COMMON ZONAL TESTS

Nanjiwa Primary School in Nsanje has recorded noticeable improvements in learner performance following the introduction of the Common Zonal Test (CZT) in 2022.

Standard 3 teacher Yona Elius explains that before the initiative, assessment methods were more demanding. Teachers relied on writing questions on the board, and due to workload pressures, some questions were leading. Additionally, some learners struggled to write independently.

Since the introduction of printed Common Zonal Test papers, the school has observed steady progression. Learners are now demonstrating independence and stronger exam performance compared to previous years.
The school acknowledges the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) through government for this impactful initiative that continues to improve learning outcomes.

Celebrating Kamuzu Day!

Loveness Banda is changing lives in Ntcheu District.

As a Learner Mentor at Kawala Primary School, she supports learners in and out of the classroom, even visiting homes to bring back those who dropped out.

Since September 2023, she has helped 37 learners return to school, restoring 37 dreams.

Her passion for education has also inspired her to start her own nursery school.

NANJIWA PRIMARY SCHOOL RECORDS STEADY RISE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL SELECTIONS

Nanjiwa Primary School in Nsanje District, established in 1987, is celebrating a remarkable improvement in learner performance and secondary school selection rates.

Head teacher Charles Kalizibowa attributes this progress to the introduction of the Common Zonal Tests (CZT), which have helped Standard 3 and Standard 4 learners build confidence and overcome fear of examinations before reaching Standard 8.

The impact is evident in the school’s selection figures:
* 2021 – 3 learners
* 2022 – 5 learners
* 2023 – 7 learners
* 2024 – 10 learners
* 2025 – 18 learners

The school is hopeful that the 2026 figures will exceed 18 learners as academic performance continues to improve.

Nanjiwa Primary acknowledges the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), implemented by the Government of Malawi, for strengthening assessment systems and improving learning outcomes.

At Mtendele Primary School in Mulanje, learning was often disrupted due to a lack of classrooms. Children had to stop lessons when it rained or got too hot.

Through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), new classroom blocks have changed everything.

“Now, our children learn without interruption. We are very happy,” says parent Beatrice Nyalapa.

Enrollment is rising, and families feel confident their children have a safe place to learn.

MERP isn’t just building classrooms, it’s building brighter futures.

Stepping into leadership for the first time wasn’t easy for Jetrinda Banda, who leads a team of 42 teachers at Chingoli Primary School in Mulanje District.

“At first, I was scared,” she shares.

Through the School Leadership Programme under the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), Jetrinda gained skills in managing staff, motivating her team, and working with the community to mobilize resources.

Today, the school celebrates high-performing students and recognizes outstanding teachers.

Head Teacher Stanley Makoka recalls that before the programme, there was mistrust and poor coordination. Now, teachers collaborate more effectively, trust has grown, and the school’s pass rate is improving.

Stronger leadership is making a real difference in Mulanje District.