The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has distanced itself from a public notice regarding the new school and college curriculum.
Christopher Banda, the Ministry’s spokesperson said work is still in progress in redesigning the curriculum that will be rolled out once all preparatory activities are completed.
Banda said the ministry plans to introduce a pre-primary class for 5-year-old children to strengthen their educational foundation before they enter standard 1.
“Currently, there is noticeable gap when children go directly from home to standard 1 and therefore, the pre-primary class will help ensure that children who pass through this stage are prepared,” Banda said.
He adds the initiative aims at improving access to quality early childhood education and ensure smoother transitions from early childhood to primary school.
“The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve school readiness and provide a stronger start for children in their formal education journey,” he added.
Education Analyst, Charles Maluwa commended the pre-primary plan, appealing that the next curriculum must reflect the values of Malawian culture and prepare students for life after education.
Maluwa has since urged stakeholders in the education sector to join hands in transforming the education sector across the country.
