CRECCOM Strengthens School–CBE Linkages in Phalombe and Mulanje

CRECCOM Senior Program Officer, Zione Musa, delivering a presentation during the teacher orientation meeting, guiding educators on practical strategies to strengthen inclusive transition and integration of CBE learners into formal primary education.

CRECCOM, under the Girls Get Equal 2 (GGE 2) Project funded by Norad through Plan International Malawi, conducted orientation meetings for Standard 1–5 teachers in primary schools hosting Complementary Basic Education (CBE) centres in Phalombe and Mulanje districts.

Held at Mwambeni and Phweremwe Primary Schools in Phalombe and later at Mitawa II and Nakamba Primary Schools in Mulanje, the sessions aimed to strengthen the transition of CBE learners into formal primary education.

Teachers were equipped with practical strategies to positively receive CBE graduates, foster supportive relationships among learners, and reduce stigma by promoting acceptance and inclusion within classrooms.

Speaking during the Mulanje session, Helix Golden, Headteacher at Mitawa II Primary School, commended the initiative, noting that school dropout rates in the area remain concerning. He emphasized that the GGE 2 project is helping bridge long-standing gaps between in-school learners and CBE graduates, as well as improving collaboration between CBE facilitators and formal school teachers.

Project Officer Gift Sifoliano (Mulanje) making a presentation during the orientation meeting, emphasizing strengthened school–CBE collaboration and inclusive support for transitioning learners.

In Phalombe, the Primary Education Advisor (PEA) for Nkhulambe Zone, Felix Ngalande, applauded CRECCOM and Plan International Malawi for selecting Phweremwe as a beneficiary centre. He highlighted that the area faces high dropout rates driven by disasters, hunger, and early marriages.

Through integrated interventions, including Disaster Risk Management (DRM) activities and strengthened CBE programming, ten young women have already re-enrolled in learning, with more expected to return.

Through these orientations, CRECCOM continues advancing inclusive education, ensuring that every child, regardless of their learning pathway, is welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.