The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says it is working with the Ministry of Education to make ICT education part of the school curriculum in a bid to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

MACRA’s Consumer Affairs Manager, Hatchson Mkwapatira, said they are developing an ICT curriculum that will make the subject compulsory as Malawi works towards achieving its Vision 2063 goals.

“Under phase II of the Universal Service Fund programme, we are constructing 120 computer laboratories across the country, each equipped with 60 computers and internet connectivity,” said Mkwapatira.
“This initiative will help more than six million children who currently lack ICT skills," he said.

Mkwapatira made the remarks on Tuesday at Ngomano Community Day Secondary School in Thyolo during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a new ICT lab.

Representing the District Commissioner, Gloria Chisanga said computer literacy has become an essential requirement for survival in today’s world.

“ICT knowledge is now vital in all aspects of life, including education and trade. This project will go a long way in empowering our children,” she said.

Traditional Authority Ngomano commended MACRA for the project but expressed concern over delays to complete infrastructure and open Ngomano CDSS, noting that some students are dropping out as they are forced to walk long distances to other schools.

In the first phase of the programme, MACRA constructed 75 ICT laboratories across the country.