Glory Sanga, 35 years old, is one of the caregivers at the Mazomela Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Luzeko Village. This ECD centre, which began operating last year, now enrols 25 children, with hopes for this number to grow. ECD is widely acknowledged as a critical foundation for long-term academic and social success, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Despite educational frameworks, ECD in Malawi remains hindered by a range of systemic and resource-related challenges, specifically within rural Community-Based Childcare Centres (CBCCs).
Temwa’s commitment to transform early childhood education in the region is by focusing on bolstering community-operated preschools. With minimal government funding allocated to early education in Malawi and privately owned preschools prohibitively expensive for most communities, the project addresses the educational gap in these communities.
Before Temwa’s involvement, the centre operated as more of a private centre, resulting in low enrolment and attendance. Now, with new resources, training and understanding, eight learning centres are now being utilised, allowing children to learn through art, play, moulding exercises and music. The committee has done tremendous work in mobilising parents to contribute with toys, books and in the construction of the ECD centres. There is now a wide selection of books for both teachers and children to use. Training has ensured that teachers are supported in their ability to prepare children for primary education; harnessing the importance of education and its capacity to make a huge difference to the lives of children in Malawi. According to Glory, this approach has bought “joy to the children” at the centre.
The ECD centre that Glory currently teaches at is at a church in the village, which is not suitable for the children. However, with the help of donations and the community in the village, a new centre is under construction. Builders and parents have taken part in moulding bricks, carrying sand, and gathering grass for thatching the roof of the school. Contributions were made toward purchasing paper, wood, and nails for construction (K35,000/ £17.50). Additionally, each parent contributes K2,000 (£1) at the beginning of every month, which helps in purchasing materials for the feeding program and providing an honorarium for the caregivers. Each caregiver receives K10,000 (£5) from the monthly contributions.
According to Glory, “Mindset change has been one of Temwa’s greatest contributions. Through training sessions for caregivers and committees, we have taken a leading role in encouraging parents to embrace the concept of a community-owned centre.” Parents are now more involved in the operation of the centre and have a deeper understanding of the importance of play as a form of learning, where children are able to grow their social, cognitive and physical skills. The construction of these centre’s means preschools in the region will meet national minimum standards and provide a vital foundation for formal education.
“We are deeply grateful for your support. Without you, we would still be using the church as a learning space, but now we are on the path to having our very own. We kindly ask for your support in helping us bridge the remaining gaps to complete this structure.”
Read more about the ECD project in our latest report here.