EdTech Hub

EdTech Hub in Malawi

Introduction

Malawi’s education system faces a significant challenge: almost 90% of learners lack basic literacy competencies by Standard 4, and around one in four struggle with numeracy. To address these educational gaps and improve learning outcomes, EdTech Hub has stepped in as a partner to support Malawi in leveraging technology to enhance education. As a global research partnership, EdTech Hub focuses on empowering decision-makers to implement effective EdTech strategies. Since formally joining as a focus country in February 2023, EdTech Hub has become a key ally to Malawi’s Ministry of Education, providing support in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN), teacher professional development, and data-driven decision-making.

In this blog, we’ll explore how EdTech Hub is driving sustainable educational reform in Malawi, the critical pillars of its work, and the strategies that align with the country’s Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP 2020–2030).

What is EdTech Hub?

EdTech Hub is an international research and development initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes through technology. With a vision of bringing tech-based, evidence-driven solutions to the forefront of education policy, the Hub partners with ministries of education, donor agencies, NGOs, and educational practitioners to address learning gaps effectively.

EdTech Hub’s Core Mission in Malawi

As part of their broader mandate, EdTech Hub has committed to strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in Malawi. The focus is to improve teacher continuous professional development (TCPD), optimize the use of data for educational policy decisions, and coordinate tech-supported programs that bolster foundational learning.

Key Pillars of EdTech Hub’s Work in Malawi

EdTech Hub’s approach in Malawi revolves around three primary thematic pillars designed to address the country’s pressing education needs:

1. Supporting Tech-Enabled TCPD for FLN Programs

EdTech Hub’s early work in Malawi has focused on supporting the National Numeracy Programme (NNP), which seeks to improve foundational numeracy outcomes in over 1,000 primary schools. The Hub’s research has examined the current TCPD approaches, including Teacher Learning Circles (TLCs), aiming to enhance teacher skills through peer-based learning and technology-enabled platforms. By embedding TCPD within the NNP, EdTech Hub ensures teachers are better equipped to deliver impactful numeracy and literacy instruction.

2. Data for Decision-Making in FLN Teaching and Learning

Quality data is essential for informed decision-making, especially in education. EdTech Hub supports the Ministry of Education in gathering, analyzing, and leveraging data for improved learning outcomes. This effort includes optimizing technology and data systems to track teacher performance, student progress, and program effectiveness. The goal is to build an evidence-based culture where data informs key policy decisions.

3. Coordinating Technology-Supported Learning Programs

To maximize the benefits of tech-based education programs, EdTech Hub works to strengthen coordination across multiple initiatives that support foundational learning. This involves collaborating with the Ministry of Education, the Directorate of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), donors, and other stakeholders to align on program implementation, resource allocation, and technology integration. Ensuring that these programs are well-coordinated enhances their impact and sustainability.

The Challenges EdTech Hub is Tackling in Malawi

Malawi faces a number of unique challenges in its educational landscape. These include:

Learning Gaps in Foundational Skills: Nearly 90% of learners lack basic literacy competencies by Standard 4, and numeracy skills are also falling short.
Need for Improved Teacher Development: Enhancing teachers’ capacity to deliver effective instruction is crucial for raising learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy.
Data and Technology Gaps: Effective data usage and technology integration are necessary to inform decisions and improve policy implementation.

EdTech Hub’s efforts align directly with the National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP 2020–2030), which aims to improve education quality and relevance across all levels. The primary goal of NESIP is to close foundational learning gaps in literacy and numeracy and support the professional growth of educators in delivering quality instruction.

Progress and Partnerships

Malawi’s National Numeracy Programme (NNP) has been one of EdTech Hub’s flagship partnerships in the country. This large-scale program seeks to improve numeracy skills at the foundational level, which are critical for learners’ overall academic and future success. The NNP benefits from EdTech Hub’s design-based implementation research (DBIR), which refines the approach to TCPD and supports teachers in implementing best practices in numeracy instruction.

Since its engagement began in 2022, EdTech Hub has established itself as a core partner to the NNP and collaborates closely with the Ministry of Education and ODeL to design, support, and evaluate these key educational reforms. Their continued partnership aims to foster a more coordinated and effective approach to technology use for education in Malawi.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About EdTech Hub in Malawi

Q1. What exactly does EdTech Hub do in Malawi? EdTech Hub’s mission in Malawi is to support foundational literacy and numeracy through technology-enhanced solutions. This includes improving teacher professional development, utilizing data for decision-making, and coordinating technology-supported learning programs. The Hub partners closely with the Ministry of Education to drive these objectives.

Q2. How is EdTech Hub contributing to improving teacher professional development? EdTech Hub has been involved in the design and implementation of tech-enabled Teacher Continuous Professional Development (TCPD) for programs like the National Numeracy Programme (NNP). They focus on building teacher competencies through approaches like Teacher Learning Circles (TLCs), which are peer-learning platforms enhanced by technology to deliver effective training and support.

Q3. What role does data play in EdTech Hub’s work in Malawi? Data is critical for informed decision-making and policy implementation. EdTech Hub supports the Ministry of Education in developing data systems that track educational outcomes, teacher performance, and the effectiveness of learning programs. This data is then used to guide strategic decisions to improve foundational literacy and numeracy.

Q4. Why is EdTech Hub focused on foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in Malawi? Foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) are key components of learning that influence overall educational success. In Malawi, nearly 90% of learners struggle with literacy by Standard 4, and numeracy skills are similarly underdeveloped. By improving FLN, EdTech Hub aims to lay the groundwork for better learning outcomes across the board.

Q5. How does EdTech Hub work with Malawi’s Ministry of Education? EdTech Hub partners with the Ministry of Education and its Directorate of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) to design, implement, and evaluate technology-supported learning programs. Their partnership focuses on improving foundational learning, refining teacher professional development, and leveraging data for educational policy-making.

Q6. Where can I find more information about EdTech Hub’s work in Malawi? For more details on EdTech Hub’s work and initiatives in Malawi, you can visit their official website, specifically their section on work in Malawi. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.

Conclusion

EdTech Hub’s involvement in Malawi marks a crucial step toward transforming the nation’s education system. By focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN), enhancing teacher professional development through technology, and fostering data-driven decision-making, the Hub has taken significant strides in addressing learning gaps. Their efforts align perfectly with Malawi’s National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP 2020–2030), which aims to improve the quality and relevance of education for all learners.

As EdTech Hub continues to support Malawi’s education sector, they play a pivotal role in enabling the country to harness the power of technology for sustainable, long-term educational success.

Key Takeaways: EdTech Hub’s Role in Malawi’s Education

90% of learners in Malawi struggle with literacy by Standard 4, highlighting the need for educational reforms.
EdTech Hub’s work focuses on improving foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) through tech-based solutions.
The Hub supports Teacher Continuous Professional Development (TCPD), data-driven decision-making, and technology-supported program coordination.
Collaborates with the Ministry of Education, the National Numeracy Programme (NNP), and ODeL to drive educational improvements.

Learn More and Stay Engaged!

To stay informed on how EdTech Hub is advancing education in Malawi, visit their website or follow their work on LinkedIn.

By focusing on foundational learning, investing in teacher development, and enhancing decision-making through technology, EdTech Hub is driving meaningful change in Malawi’s education sector, providing a brighter future for the country’s learners.