CZ, Machinga TTCs set to be centres of excellence

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) will this September establish Chiradzulu and Machinga teacher’s training colleges (TTCs) as centres of excellence to provide teachers nationwide access to short courses for professional development.

According to Unicef education specialist Milandu Mwale, Chiradzulu TTC will also have a language laboratory where teachers will be trained in how they can effectively teach reading and writing skills.

“We hope to establish a language laboratory where teachers can hone expertise on how to teach children to read and write. We also want to establish Chiradzulu TTC as a centre for continuing professional development where any teacher will be able to access short courses and develop themselves to improve delivery in the schools,” she said.

Mwale said the TTC will be linked to two universities in the United States of America (USA), University of Malawi and Domasi College of Education so that teachers can exchange ideas with professors.

She further said the teachers will have access to online libraries which will expand their knowledge base.

Mwale also disclosed that the organisation will establish Machinga TTC as a hub resource centre where different teachers can learn how to establish their own resource centres.

“Every school needs to have a teacher resource centre and Machinga TTC will be the hub where all teachers will be trained in developing teaching and learning materials,” she added.

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology spokesperson Manfred Ndovi hailed Unicef for the initiative, saying it will go a long way in improving education standards in the country.

“This will greatly add value to the quality of teachers that we produce, thereby improving quality of education. Our learners will benefit from well-baked teachers from these institutions,” he said.