Over 85 pct of primary, secondary schools in Malawi lack internet: survey

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

A report released on Friday showed that up to 85.8 percent of primary and secondary schools in Malawi are not connected to the internet, while 46.9 percent of schools have no source of electricity.

The survey, which aimed to map every school in Malawi, documenting the status regarding power and connectivity, was jointly conducted by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union.

According to the findings, even among the connected institutions, access to digital devices remains "critically limited," with an average of one computer serving 356 students.

UNICEF Representative in Malawi Penelope Campbell called on the Malawian government and stakeholders to prioritize investing in the electrification of schools and connectivity to the internet for an effective learning environment.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka described the existing gap in digital knowledge and power connection in Malawi as retrogressive to education, and emphasized the need for quick action.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba pledged the government's commitment in the next five years to narrow the gap.

Namalomba also appealed to the businesses to "move beyond corporate social responsibility and treat school connectivity as a long-term investment.