In preparation for their transition to primary school in September, children aged 5 to 6 from 13 of Temwa’s Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) in Nkhata Bay North, Malawi, were assessed on key developmental skills. These included storytelling, letter naming, counting, drawing, and object ordering. The evaluation aimed to determine their readiness for primary education, an essential step to ensure they are equipped with the foundational skills needed for further learning.

The results were promising. Across the board, children managed to complete five out of the six tasks assigned to them, yielding an overall success rate of 80%. This reflects both the children’s ability to engage with early literacy, numeracy, and cognitive skills, and the impact of Temwa’s efforts to support early childhood education in the region.
These assessments are part of a larger initiative aimed at improving the educational landscape in rural Malawi, where many children begin primary school without access to formal learning in their early years. This lack of preparation has historically led to high dropout rates, particularly among young girls, whose education is often deprioritized in favour of household duties.

The ECD project led by Temwa, which began in October 2023, is working to address these challenges by providing much-needed resources and training to community-run preschools. By March 2024, 13 preschools, including five newly established ones, were receiving support. This effort is critical to ensuring that children, especially those in underserved areas, have access to early education that prepares them for success in primary school.
Despite the positive results from the assessments, challenges remain. Many preschools still lack adequate infrastructure, and retaining caregivers, who are often unpaid volunteers, is an ongoing issue. However, the strong performance of the children in this assessment highlights the importance of these early educational interventions and the potential for long-term improvement as the project continues.

This 80% pass rate is a testament to the value of early learning opportunities, and with ongoing support, these children will have the tools they need to thrive in their formal education journey.
Read more about the ECD project in our latest report here.