School children in the rural communities of Malawi will soon have access to more qualified primary school educators, thanks in part to the Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS) Food for Progress (FFP) program.
The Dowa Teacher Training College opened its doors on Nov. 30 and was built through a unique public-private partnership led by Planet Aid, a non-profit international development organization, with the help of FFP funds. Future primary school teachers will board at the college and learn core subjects, nutrition and health education and community development with a focus on the skills needed to teach in resource-limited schools. More than 250 teachers are expected to graduate from the college annually.
“This college stands as a testament to the strong cooperation and growing partnership between the United States and Malawi,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Jeanine Jackson, during the college’s opening ceremony. “It reflects our shared commitment to quality education and the promise of a bright and prosperous future.”
More than 3,000 community members were in attendance, including the Honorable Vice President of Malawi, Khumbo Kachali, and the Honorable Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Eunice Kazembe.
In addition to the college, FAS supported farmer community groups throughout the country to provide education, training and resources in order to boost the income of rural communities and agricultural development in Malawi. FAS also donated 30,000 metric tons of wheat over the past three years through FFP to support Planet Aid and the organization Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) in Malawi on various capacity building projects.
The Dowa Teacher Training College helps satisfy an urgent need for qualified educators in Malawi and brings the country closer to meeting the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education. Helping fund the college showcases USDA’s commitment to assist rural communities worldwide through rural development and education in Africa.
There are currently more than 100 active FFP projects underway in developing countries worldwide. To learn more about FFP, visit the FAS website.
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It makes me very happy to see events like this. Education in a very important tool that will provide rural communities in Malawi the opportunity for a brighter future!
So, now past the eligble age, I may not compete another time for an FAS position anywhere, let alone where I already have roots - northern Malawi. My former host and I communicate 10-12 X per year, and all I can say is that I am not in a position to personally fund the bundle of simple irrigation materials per my design for his exemplary dambo farm.
I think it is a pity that CNFA and USAID have so little follow-through on work they begin. But maybe I am at fault for my inability to produce the Mission Scope, making wine out of water I suppose.
Since then, Dorothy, my host's wife has succumbed to some ailment or accident. I weep, helpless, fearing for Bobby's daughters Grace and Precious more than ever.
Since my report and DVD recap, a year after my return, this lack of follow-through has tinge of torture.
education will always be the key. I am happy to see programmes like this. keep it up
Was this school part of the Teachers Group fraud? The USDA has been hoodwinked by Teachers Group Tvind, which is a corrupt global cult that skims (understatement) cash to fund their empire. Planet Aid clothing collection boxes are but one of the phalanx of companies that feed the Amdi Petersen group. Worse than the Scientologists.
No, John. The USDA was not 'hoodwinked'. The Teacher's Group and the USDA have been working hand-in-hand, colluding & profiting together. Many in the USDA are fully aware of what they are doing. This tower of corruption is going to fall hard. I await the spectacle.