Mulanje DEC Approves CRECCOM's Tiwaphunzitse 2 Project to Boost Inclusive Early Grade Literacy

Meeting in progress during the Mulanje District Executive Committee orientation on the Tiwaphunzitse 2 project.

The Mulanje District Executive Committee (DEC) has approved the implementation of CRECCOM's Tiwaphunzitse 2 project, clearing the way for activities aimed at improving early grade literacy among learners with disabilities.

Funded by CBM International, the three-year project, "Tiwaphunzitse 2: Increased Early Grade Literacy of Learners with Disability Through Empowering Teachers and Guardians," will run from June 2026 to May 2029 with a budget of EUR 210,000.

Building on the success of Tiwaphunzitse 1 in Zomba, Nsanje and Mulanje, the project will be implemented in Mulanje and Zomba across four education zones; Mombo, Maveya, Chikala and Chikomwe. It will directly benefit 15,500 Standard 1 and 2 learners, including children with disabilities, in 49 primary schools.

Sanga: We are addressing persistent barriers to inclusive education.

CRECCOM Project Manager Linice Sanga said the project addresses persistent barriers to inclusive education, including low enrolment of learners with disabilities, shortages of Special Needs Education teachers, limited early identification and screening, stigma, and weak coordination between education, health, social welfare and community structures.

"Tiwaphunzitse 2 will strengthen teachers' capacity, empower parents and guardians, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders to ensure children with disabilities access quality, inclusive education and no child is left behind," said Sanga.

She added that the project aligns with Priority Area One of the National Education Plan and the Mulanje District Development Plan.

The project will strengthen teachers' capacity through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) materials, inclusive child-centred pedagogy training, and continuous learner assessment and remediation. It will also provide assistive devices for learners with disabilities while strengthening family and community support through training for School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), Mother Groups, and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) using Theatre for Development (TfD) to promote disability inclusion.

Participants following presentations during the Tiwaphunzitse 2 project orientation meeting.

In addition to benefiting learners, the project will build the capacity of 245 teachers, 490 School Management Committee members, four Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), four Assistant Centre Coordinators (ACCs), and parents and guardians to create more inclusive learning environments.