MoE Calls for Stronger Partnerships Between Mining Companies and Education Authorities for Resilient Schools and Infrastructure
The Malawi Ministry of Education has called for stronger partnerships between the Malawian mining companies and education authorities to co-invest in resilient schools and infrastructure.
The Director of Science, Technology and Innovation, Associate Prof. Chomora Mikeka made the remarks on behalf of the Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Levis Eneya at the pannel discussion on the topic “Importance and pathways of community engagement in mining communities and Disaster Risk Management in Malawi”.
The discussion was part of the two-day 2025 Malawi Mining Investment Forum that took place at Bingu International Conference Centre(BICC) from 28th to 29th April 2025 themed “Advancing Malawi’s Mining Agenda In an Evolving Global Industry”.
The Mining Investment Forum was officially opened by His Excellency, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.
Mikeka therefore applauded partnership with the mining company, Tetra Tech and Sovereign Services Limited in Kasiya, Kamzimbi, Kabudula and Kapudzama CDSSs which aims at improving school infrastructure and STEM education in rural Malawi.
“to enhance disaster-resilient educational facilities in mining-affected areas, we recommend strengthening collaborations with the private sector, as current partnerships with mining companies are limited,” he said.
On the Ministry’s interventions towards raising awareness about disasters preparedness in mining communities, Mikeka said that the ministry integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into educational programs citing the utilisation of 4IR and digital emerging technologies like drones.
“we emphansize disaster clubs in schools and teacher training to foster a culture of preparedness. These initiatives align with Sendai Framework Priority number 3 and Agenda 2026 for resilient and sustainable development,” he added.
On future plans, Prof. Mikeka said the government through the Ministry of Higher Education has embarked on a project to establish a new University with a niche in Mining, the University of Mining and Technology, which will bring an addition to already existing mining courses offered in the other public universities