Japan gives K13bn for Domasi College upgrade

The Government of Japan has committed $17.7 million (about K13 billion) to expand and upgrade Domasi College of Education in Zomba.

The grant will facilitate the construction of various facilities, including lecture and laboratory blocks, a female hostel and staff cafeteria.

The grant will also help in upgrading the college from a three-year diploma course to a four-year bachelor degree course.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the grant in Lilongwe yesterday, Japan charge d’ affairs to Malawi Hirotsugu Ikeda said the grant will support government’s efforts in addressing the shortage of teachers in secondary schools.

“We remain positive that this project will further strengthen our bilateral relationship” he said.

In remarks, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe said the education sector in Malawi continues to face a number of challenges that include inadequate and untrained teachers.

“Domasi College is better placed and has the experience in secondary school teacher education,” he said.

Currently, the college has a bed space of 660 and a total enrolment of 1 045 students including non-residential students. n