Teacher Commitment Strengthens Sustainability of BEFIT Interventions in Mulanje

Masika, the Deputy Headteacher at Nankhulumbo Primary School, diligently installs repaired storage units at Nampira Primary School

Demonstrating remarkable dedication to the sustainability of the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program in Mulanje district, Batileo Masika, the Deputy Head Teacher at Nankhulumbo Primary School in Nsapato zone, along with the Teacher Coordinator and Technical Teacher, has taken the initiative to assist a fellow BEFIT impact school, Nampira Primary School in Konzalendo zone.

Recognizing the difficulties faced by Nampira Primary School due to damaged tablet cages, Masika and his colleagues volunteered to repair the storage units, which are crucial for the safe storage and charging of tablets used in digital learning under the BEFIT program.

This gesture not only enhances collaboration between BEFIT schools but also sets a strong example of community-level ownership and sustainability.

On arrival

The initiative was in response to concerns raised by Ms. Banda, the Teacher Coordinator at Nampira Primary School, who explained how the broken cages were disrupting the teaching process.

"Ma cage awa amavuta," she said. "Ukagwiramo kuti utengemo ma tablet amagwa nthawi zonse, zimene zimapangitsa kuti ntchito izivuta." (“These cages have been problematic. Every time you try to access the tablets, they fall, making it difficult to conduct lessons smoothly.”)

Men working ahead

Moved by the situation and the need to ensure the program runs effectively, Masika offered his technical skills to assist.

“I saw an opportunity to support a fellow school and keep the spirit of BEFIT alive,” he said. “These are our learners, our future. We cannot let small issues derail such a powerful program.”

The repaired cages are now fully functional, offering a safe and accessible storage solution for tablets.

This development has been warmly welcomed by the Nampira school community. Learners, teachers, and even members of the School Management Committee expressed gratitude, noting how this act has revitalized the momentum of digital learning at the school.

Taking the measurements

“We are so thankful for this support,” said Ms. Banda. “It shows us that BEFIT is more than a project — it’s a community of educators working together for our learners.”

Masika initially began by building additional tablet crates for his own school, Nankhulumbo Primary, after they received more tablets than their existing cages could accommodate.

Recognizing that other schools faced similar challenges, he extended his support to Kapichi Primary School, where they are now planning to construct their own crates to address the same issue.

“BEFIT has brought so much change in how our learners engage with lessons,” said Mr. Masika. “If we, as teachers, don’t take ownership of the small but important things like storage, we risk losing the bigger benefits. This is our program — and we must sustain it together.”