As part of a 2-day visit to Malawi in September, the UK DFID Permanent Secretary Ms Nemat Minouche Shafik visited Chilamba Primary School in Dedza.  At the school Ms Shafik learned how LCD Malawi has implemented a pilot project to channel funds directly to primary schools.

Through the Enhanced Direct Support to Schools pilot, LCD Malawi and the Dedza District Education Office are leading the way in developing a new framework for primary school funding in Malawi.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) and with funding from DFID, LCD Malawi has trained schools and communities in planning, budgeting, financial management and accountability systems in order to build capacity at a school level to manage and allocate funds effectively.

Phase 1 of the pilot involved 22 schools and came to a close in December 2008 with some dramatic results including significant reductions in pupil teacher ratios (38% across the first three Standards).  This was thanks to the schools' ability to recruit and pay auxiliary teachers from the local community. In phase 2, which is currently taking place, a further 35 schools are involved in the pilot with each school receiving the equivalent of approximately $1,500.

Accompanied by the British High Commissioner in Malawi as well as the DFID Head of Office, her deputy and the education advisor, Minouche was impressed by the commitment and motivation shown by the learners, staff and community members at Chilambe Primary School.