Shalon’s Classroom Confidence Grows Through BEFIT Tablets

Shalon Mafuli captured holding her BEFIT learning tablet

At just 7 years old, Shalon Mafuli, a Standard 2 learner at Motheriwa Primary School in Thyolo, is already dreaming big. Her eyes light up when she talks about becoming a doctor. For Shalon, this dream now feels possible; thanks to her new love for learning, ignited by the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program.

Before BEFIT tablets were introduced at her school, Shalon struggled like many learners her age. Her mother, Stella Byson, recalls how her daughter would consistently rank in the 20s in class. But everything began to change when Shalon was introduced to digital learning.

“Now, she’s passing so well; last term, she was position four. Even when I check her exercise books, I can see she’s really understanding things. In our time we didn’t have this kind of technology. It’s very, very good,” Stella shared, beaming with pride.

Shalon with her mother who came to monitor tablet sessions at the school

With BEFIT tablets providing interactive literacy and numeracy lessons in Chichewa, Shalon now finds learning both fun and rewarding. She never misses a class and often talks about her lessons at home. Her favorite part? Getting stars after completing tablet activities.

“I am happy when I get a star. It makes me want to learn more! Now I can read and write and do maths easily because of the tablet. One day, I want to be a doctor,” said Shalon with excitement.

Shalon’s rapid improvement has amazed even her older brother, a Standard 7 pupil. According to her mother, she now uses phones and digital devices better than him; skills she has developed through regular use of the BEFIT tablet.