Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Bright Msaka, SC, has said partnerships with development partners remain critical in addressing the shortage of classroom furniture in public primary schools, as efforts continue to ensure that every learner has access to a desk.

The minister made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during the handover ceremony of 2,502 school desks valued at over K600 million, donated to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology by World Vision Malawi.

Msaka said Malawi has more than six million children enrolled in primary schools, with the latest assessments showing that the country requires about 1,008,000 additional desks to ensure every learner is seated.

He said although the task is enormous, the Ministry is determined to achieve the target within the next few years through increased investments, having already provided funding to local councils to procure desks while development partners continue to complement the effort.

The Minister described the donation as a demonstration of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between the Ministry and its development partners. He said the desks will benefit schools where the need is greatest, helping to reduce classroom congestion, improve learner comfort and create an environment that is more conducive to effective teaching and learning.

He commended World Vision International for its commitment to supporting the education sector, citing that their interventions continue to complement the Ministry's efforts to improve access, equity and quality in education,he also reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to improving school infrastructure, providing essential learning resources and implementing policies that create learning environments where every child can thrive.

World Vision Malawi National Director Francis Dube said the donation of 2,502 desks, valued at K600 million is part of the commitment of the organization to supporting Government efforts to improve access to quality education and create better learning environments for children.

He said the desks were provided in response to priority needs identified by seven District Education Authorities of Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Mwanza and Machinga as well as 25 primary schools, ensuring that the support reaches areas with the greatest need.

He said the organisation will continue working with Government in areas such as foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher development, early childhood education, inclusive learning environments, education in emergencies, school sanitation and hygiene, while supporting sustainable solutions that enable children to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.