United States Ambassador Jeanine Jackson has said corruption in the country threatens the historical educational gains that Malawians and partners strive to achieve.
Jackson, who urged Malawians to be cautious of corruption, was speaking at the launch of Early Grade Reading Activity (Egra) in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Said Jackson: “When supplies are pilfered, when teachers strike because they do not receive salaries, when children have no classrooms or desks, all because the government’s Treasury has been looted, that is a threat to Malawi’s future.
“Malawians should not accept the misuse of Malawian taxpayers and donor resources in any case, and certainly not when such corruption results in their children not receiving a good education.”
She assured Malawians of her government continued support for a better Malawi.
Secretary for Education Macphail Magwira thanked the United States Government for supporting the education sector through the Egra programme being implemented by USaid programme.
“We assure you that the funds provided for the education sector will always be safe,” said Magwira.
USaid senior adviser for international education Christie Vilsack said Egra is expected to improve the reading and writing skills of many children.
“The world is forever changing. But even with all the technologies, the greatest gifts are the love of reading and learning. It is these gifts that we must all strive to give to children today,” said Vilsack.
