Malawi’s Education Overhaul: How Targeted Interventions Are Closing Learning Gaps

The World Bank's report on the Malawi Education Sector Improvement Project reveals how targeted interventions in Malawi’s most disadvantaged districts have successfully reduced class sizes, improved learning outcomes, and narrowed gender disparities in education. Despite ongoing challenges, the project offers a blueprint for future education reforms in low-income countries.

In a groundbreaking report by the World Bank, titled "Are Short-Term Gains in Learning Outcomes Possible? Evidence from the Malawi Education Sector Improvement Project," fresh insights reveal that swift improvements in educational outcomes are possible, even in low-income settings. The report details how a strategic, five-year intervention in Malawi's most disadvantaged districts has significantly closed the learning gaps that have long plagued the nation’s primary education system.

The Challenge of Overcrowded Classrooms

For years, Malawi’s primary education system has been hampered by severe overcrowding. In some areas, class sizes soared to over 90 students per teacher, making it nearly impossible for teachers to provide the individualized attention necessary for young learners to thrive. These conditions were particularly dire in the eight districts targeted by the Malawi Education Sector Improvement Project (MESIP). The project, funded by the Global Partnership for Education and implemented by the Ministry of Education of Malawi, sought to address these challenges head-on by focusing on reducing class sizes and improving the overall learning environment.

The interventions included providing additional funding to schools, allowing them to hire more teachers and construct new classrooms and learning shelters. These efforts were particularly concentrated in the lower primary grades, where the overcrowding was most severe. The results were impressive. By the end of the five-year project, the student-to-teacher ratio in these districts had dropped significantly, leading to more manageable class sizes and a marked improvement in student engagement and learning outcomes.

Narrowing the Gender Gap

One of the most encouraging findings from the MESIP was its impact on gender disparities in education. Historically, girls in Malawi have been at a disadvantage, with fewer educational opportunities and lower academic achievement compared to boys. However, the targeted interventions in MESIP districts helped to narrow this gap. By constructing gender-friendly facilities and hiring more female teachers, the project not only improved the learning environment for all students but also specifically supported the needs of female students. As a result, the gap between girls’ and boys’ learning outcomes began to close, offering a more equitable educational experience for all.

Reducing Repetition Rates and Boosting Performance

Another significant outcome of the MESIP was the reduction in student repetition rates, particularly in the lower primary grades. Repetition rates have been a persistent issue in Malawi, often contributing to higher dropout rates and further exacerbating the problem of overcrowded classrooms. The project’s focus on reducing class sizes and improving teaching quality directly addressed this issue. By the end of the project, repetition rates had decreased notably, and students were performing better in national assessments, demonstrating that the interventions had a lasting impact on educational achievement.

The Road Ahead

While the MESIP has made considerable strides in improving educational outcomes in Malawi’s most disadvantaged districts, the report also highlights ongoing challenges. Despite the progress, issues like teacher distribution and school infrastructure continue to hinder the nation’s educational development. The success of the MESIP has set a precedent, however, showing that targeted, well-funded interventions can make a difference, even in the most challenging environments.

As Malawi moves forward, the lessons learned from MESIP will be invaluable in shaping future education policies. The government’s new initiative, the Malawi Education Reform Program (MERP), aims to build on MESIP’s successes by scaling up support for hiring additional teachers and constructing more classrooms, particularly in schools with severe overcrowding.