The Ministry of Education on Wednesday launched a Malawi Vision 2063 Comic Book which aims at educating and inspiring children in the country on the national vision.
Launched at Mponela II Primary School in Dowa, the book – which is also in audio – is a culminating of collaboration between educators, artists, and planners and presents the national goals and aspirations in a manner that is engaging and accessible to children, especially in the rural schools.
Speaking at the launch, Secretary for Education Dr. Mangani Katundu said the book is aimed at influencing and attract not only interest, but also to maintain the same in children.
“We thought this MW2063 journey is not for us only, but these children. Part of the process of instilling and enforcing mindset change start with children. We want to try and influence and influence them while they are young so that when they grow up, they should be part of the MW2063 realization process.
As educators we know that there are different ways you can reach out to different groups of people. For children, use of comics books is one of the best ways in which you can influence, and attract the interest of the children,” he said
Currently, the ministry has printed about 10 000 books, which is very few against over 6000 primary schools in the country.
Dr Katundu said they are currently consulting with developing partners to assist government in printing more books so that they reach out to all children.
In his remark, National Planning Commission (NPC) Director General Dr. Thomas Munthali said the book has been developed in a way that children will easily understand the MW2063 messages.
“We needed to make sure that the MW2063 vision is in a language that children can easily understand. We have about 5 million children in about 6000 primary schools, they all come from their families, once they understand the messages, they will be able to share with their families which in the long run, the vision will be shared across the country,” he said adding that they are planning to come up with a comic book in different languages.
He said their plan is to have 100 books per school.
“We need about 600 000 copies so that we reach aout to all the schools, and with support from our partners, we will make it,” he said.
Munthali said apart from schools, the audio version of the book will be aired in different radio stations programs.
The development of the book was done with support from UNICEF.
UNICEF Country representative Shadreck Omol said they believe in engaging children in development and that children have an important role in identifying issues and problems.
“It is critical that we provide opportunities and platforms for their voices to be heard. Having been translated into local languages, the coming book is aimed at fostering inclusivity as well as deep understanding, ownership and participation among children for the roles they must play in shaping the future of our nation.
“By taking this initiative to communities, we are ensuring that children and young people in every community are part of the conversation and can contribute to the achievement of Vision 2063.
UNICEF is committed to partnering with the government in making sure that leaners in primary school understand and get involved in the development aspirations of the country.
“I am so happy to see young children citing some of the enablers in the MW2023 blue print by heart through their poems, songs and drama, that’s what we want,” he said.
