The government of Malawi has received over 3,000 tablet computers from the Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) to increase children’s access to learning in the country.
The foundation supports educational projects focused on the improvement of the quality of early learning and basic education in southern Africa.
Figures from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) shows that the first years of a child’s life set the stage for all future growth and development, thus early quality learning is essential for children.
Quality early childhood education also increases literacy levels, improves school enrolment and achievement, and enhances developmental outcomes.
‘Roger is handing over 3,000 tablets to the Minister of Gender with content to capacitate early learning mentors. The tablets allow access to knowledge [and] learning regardless of place, time and qualification’, RFF said in a tweet.
Development Diaries also gathered that the founder of the foundation, Roger Federer, met with the Social and Community Welfare Committee of Malawi’s parliament to discuss how his foundation can work with parliament on issues of Early Childhood Education (ECD).
According to RFF estimates, only 50 percent of three to five year olds access ECD services.
‘It is [my] wish that all children in Malawi can access pre-primary education and [I am] glad to meet members of parliament who have similar interests so [we can work together’, he said.
Chairperson of the Social and Community Welfare Committee, Savel Kafwafwa, said with 6,000 primary schools in the country, an equally high number of ECD centres close to communities are needed so children should not travel far to access education.
‘Nations that have developed fast have had a good background in early education and Malawi would like to reach such levels’, Kafwafwa noted.
Data from UNICEF shows that poverty and malnutrition often prevents children, especially girls, from completing their education and reaching their full potential in Malawi.
Additional data from the World Bank shows that the recent global food, fuel, and financial crises have constrained government budgets and activities for ECD in Malawi.
Photo source: Roger Federer Foundation
