Taking IAE to another level: Learning from Mozambique’s experience

By Dyson Mthawanji

It’s a sunny Monday afternoon at Masitimale Center for Integrated Adult Education in the district of Ntcheu in Malawi’s central region.

The district boarders with Mozambique. Coincidentally, the IAE Programme was introduced in Malawi after its success in Mozambique.

The class is in session and the participants’ faces are shiny with curiosity. Yes, they are so eager to learn not only literacy and numeracy but also the much relevant skills that are helpful in their everyday lives such as agriculture, health and leadership.

Malawi is an agriculture based economy and about 80 percent of the population are subsistence farmers. No wonder many development aspects rotate around agriculture.

The adult class at Masitimale Centre continues. On this day, the Centre is blessed with a visitor, José Mucuapa, the Country Director for DVV International in Mozambique.

Both Mucuapa and his entourage are at Masitimale Centre to appreciate how the IAE classes are delivered.

“I’m impressed with the participants’ curiosity to learn,” said Mucuapa.

However, he observed one thing which he recommended that it should be corrected. The facilitator, Mr Emmanuel Foya, was delivering both literacy and numeracy at once.

“We should not teach Literacy and Numeracy at once; they should be facilitating the issues slowly according to the participants’ knowledge achievements and needs. For example, if you teach numeracy in relation to health or agriculture today; you should finish like that. The next class should now focus on literacy using the same agriculture and healthy examples,” said Mucuapa.

Mucuapa visited the district of Ntcheu to have the actual picture of IAE before he facilitated the IAE TOT training in Malawi’s capital city of Lilongwe. The training took place from 15^th to 18^th August 2023. The participants included Malawi based DVV programs personnel, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP), Chance for a Change, and officials from Malawi’s Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare especially the National Centre for Adult Literacy and Education (NACLAE).

The Training represented a significant step toward improving the quality and accessibility of adult education in Malawi. By equipping trainers with the skills and knowledge needed to create engaging and impactful IAE programs, this initiative will empower countless adults to unlock their potential, contribute to their communities, and build a brighter future for Malawi. As these trained trainers pass on their knowledge, the ripple effect of this training promises to be transformative, promoting lifelong learning and sustainable development throughout Malawi.

“The idea was for the beginners to understand what IAE is all about and the mode of delivery. The training also aimed at allowing the old members to refresh the IAE knowledge and share experiences since the trainer was the DVV International Country Director from Mozambique where the IAE Programme has been successful,” said DVV International Regional Director for Southern Africa, Gerhard Quincke.

DVV International has a long-standing commitment to advocating ALE globally. With a focus on lifelong learning and sustainable development, the organization has been instrumental in promoting educational opportunities for adults in numerous countries. In Malawi, DVV International has recognized the potential of IAE to drive positive change, and its recent TOT training reflects this dedication.

Mucuapa brought together experienced IAE implementers, equipping them with the latest teaching methodologies, curriculum development techniques, and community engagement strategies. The training emphasized a learner-centered approach, which is critical for addressing the unique needs and challenges of adult learners.

The training introduced trainers to innovative and interactive teaching techniques that make learning more engaging and effective. The TOTs were also drilled on strategies for involving the community in the learning process, fostering a supportive environment for adult learners.

Trainers who participated in the training are now better equipped to deliver high-quality IAE programmes and conducting similar training.

“I can now create customized curricula and employ modern teaching methods, making learning more accessible and enjoyable for adult learners,” said Timothy Chitsonga, a Community Development Assistant in the district of Mchinji which boarders with Zambia.

Using the TOT’s training knowledge, both DVV International and NACLAE officials went on to train IAE facilitators in the districts of Ntcheu and Mchinji. There were 20 facilitators in each district.

“The knowledge which we got from the IAE TOT training was very vital for the improvement of IAE programme here [Ntcheu district],” said Flora Chandilanga. She attended the TOT training and was later one of the trainers for IAE facilitators training in the district of Ntcheu.

Ntcheu is one of the districts in which DVV International in collaboration with Malawi Government is implementing IAE.