Interactive Radio Instruction in Malawi

With overcrowded classrooms, rote learning techniques and low pass rates, the quality of education in primary schools across Malawi is a cause for concern. To help tackle this problem, the Education Development Center (EDC), with funding from USAID, is implementing a three-year student-centred Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) programme. This programme is designed to provide information on basic skills (including literacy, numeracy, English and life skills) to grades 1 to 3, improve learning outcomes, and embrace the new primary school curriculum introduced by the national government.

Classes tune into the Tikwere! (Let's Climb!) programme broadcast in 30-minute lessons every day, using wind-up and solar-powered Lifeline radios. Usually Lifeline Energy trains trainers in its radio distribution methodology face-to-face. In Malawi, due to time and logistics complications, CEO Kristine Pearson worked with EDC’s scriptwriters to create a radio-based training programme. The 10,000 Lifeline radios are providing students and teachers in primary schools with sustainable access to the Tikwere! programme with interactive activities such as songs and games.

The programme went on air in January 2008 and is already producing positive results by reaching 800,000 students and 8,000 teachers in 5,300 schools across the country. The programme has led to a sharp increase in school enrolment and learner achievement, in addition to bridging the gap between rural and urban education, especially among girls.