At Chirimba Primary School in Blantyre District, the BEFIT program has been successfully implemented through a united effort by all the teaching staff, fostering a lively and inclusive educational atmosphere. Led by Headteacher Lucy Mwanvani, the school has committed wholeheartedly to the program, making sure it serves every student in Standards 1-4.
The BEFIT initiative was launched at Chirimba Primary School in October 2024. Seeing its potential to enhance literacy and numeracy, Mwanvani, with the support of Deputy Headteacher Chimwemwe Nanjira, encouraged all teachers from Standards 1-8 to engage actively. Through joint planning, the staff incorporated BEFIT into the school schedule and created a duty roster to ensure each teacher contributed to its execution.
"Each teacher at our school is dedicated to the success of BEFIT," states Mrs. Mwanvani. "Through collaboration, we've established a supportive environment where students feel inspired and involved."
The program directly affects 2,316 students, including 1,186 boys and 1,130 girls, creating a strong foundation for their educational journey. Teachers have adopted innovative techniques to make learning both engaging and accessible, addressing the diverse needs of all students.
Florence Liwonde, a Standard 2 teacher, shares her experience: "The BEFIT sessions have enhanced our learners' skills and also strengthened the camaraderie among us teachers. Colleagues from higher grades are also participating, assisting us in conducting sessions and ensuring the program operates efficiently."”
The impact has been significant, with student attendance during BEFIT sessions reaching 95% and clear improvements observed in their literacy and numeracy skills.
BEFIT, an acronym for Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology, is a government-initiated program backed by partners like Imagine Worldwide, onebillion, and VSO. Its goal is to improve basic literacy and numeracy skills for students in Standards 1-4, targeting all 6,000 public primary schools throughout Malawi and aiming to benefit around 3.8 million children.
The achievements of BEFIT at Chirimba Primary School underscore the strength of teamwork and commitment. By working together as a staff, the school has not only implemented the program but also shown how collaboration can revolutionize education. Chirimba's experience is a brilliant illustration of what is possible when educators unite with a common goal of success for their students.
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