The Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary – EQUALS Project is undergoing a Mid-Term Review (MTR) by the World Bank. 

The main objective of the mission is to assess the components and subcomponents and the overall implementation in line with the Project Development Objective. 

The MTR which is taking place at World Bank Malawi Country Office will also evaluate achievements, challenges and remaining interventions and see if they can be achieved in the remaining time.  

The mission started last week with a visit to some of the EQUALS Project sites by the Bank’s team and the EQUALS Project staff led by the Director for Secondary Education, Dr Florida Banda.

The Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank through a credit facility of US$90 million is implementing the EQUALS Project in 13 selected districts of Chitipa, Karonga, Lilongwe, Mchinji, Kasungu, Salima, Zomba, Balaka, Neno, Mwanza, Chikwawa, Mulanje and Phalombe.

It seeks to address challenges affecting the delivery of education services in Secondary Schools in Malawi that eventually lead to low performance of pupils in Science and Mathematics subjects.

EQUALS Project civil works to finish on time  

The construction of additional facilities in schools under the Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary (EQUALS) Project is on track.

In December last year, the project commenced civil works in 103 sites in 13 districts across the country.

A visit to some of the secondary schools found that most of the sites are done with foundations of additional infrastructure being constructed.

For instance, at Chipoka Secondary School in Salima, the construction of an ICT/library block was at the window level while at Katamba and Namadidi in Zomba, classroom blocks were at ring beam and roofing levels, respectively.

Headteacher for Chipoka Secondary School, Widris Banda Kumambala hailed the progress so far, saying it is encouraging.

“We are looking forward to starting using the facilities these school facilities by the next school calendar,” she said.

EQUALS Project Manager Elvis Salagi said the civil works commenced on 5 December 2022 and are scheduled to be completed by October 5, this year.

“We are sure by that time, all the work will be fully completed in all the sites. In some cases, we will finish early,” he explained.