Tablets Are Transforming Primary School Classrooms in Malawi

Malawi primary schools are ahead of Indian primary schools! Just like how exciting it felt to learn from new, colourful books back in the 90s, this generation feels the same for tablets. This is, in fact, happening in the primary schools of Malawi right now. Since many students lack the opportunity to learn enough reading and maths in schools, tablets are now making classrooms more lively learning environments. We’ll look into this simple device and its importance for Malawi students—and also for everyone else.

What Is Going on in Malawi’s Primary Schools?

Together with Imagine Worldwide and onebillion, Malawi’s government launched the groundbreaking program BEFIT (Building Education Foundations through Innovation & Technology). The goal? Making sure that primary school students in all grades, particularly early grades, get educational tablets. Interactive lessons about reading and arithmetic are included on these tablets and they adjust to the speed and abilities of each child.

What Makes Tablets Important for Education Now?

A large percentage of Malawian kids, as per some sources which is 90%, were not able to read well only a few years past. Because there were not enough books for everyone, many students had to share. The program does this by sending personalized learning lessons daily through tablets, without needing new classrooms or hiring more teachers. The tablets can power themselves with solar energy which is handy when electricity is unreliable in schools.

What Are the Effects?

The findings have been very compelling. Science proves that using tablets for 30 minutes every day for eight weeks helped children in grades 1-3 improve much more in reading and basic maths than children in regular classrooms. The teachers indicate that tablets are convenient and this helps kids stay interested and focused. Fewer students are absent and they feel stronger and happier to learn more. Being new, in the first year BEFIT connected with 277,000 students using quick testing in 500 schools and is now expanding to reach all districts and up to 3.8 million children each year.

What can India Learn?

The experience of Malawi can teach and motivate us Indians. Children living in Malawi deal with similar issues as those in rural India such as fewer resources, less access to teachers and gaps in learning. Thus, it is evident from Malawi that introducing technology to education in the right way can reduce these gaps and allow every child to succeed. By following a similar approach India can tackle the education gap in rural areas. However, the most important factor is strong collaboration between government, educators and technology providers supported by good research and dedication to help every student.

Technology Is Creating a Brighter Tomorrow

Children in Malawi who use technology in learning are not only gaining skills in reading and math but also gaining confidence for their futures. This story demonstrates how well-equipped and well-supported marginalised children can excel both in school and elsewhere.

If Malawi was able to do this, we surely can too. Now is the time to envision new possibilities for every child, wherever they live.