DFID announces additional £11.6 million for Malawi

We are delighted to inform members that DFID have announced an additional £11.6 million of support for Malawi which will be used to construct classrooms for over 30,000 pupils.

The new package of support will include funds for 48 unfinished primary school construction sites. It will also see a collaboration with USAID to help primary school children build the basic skills, such as literacy, needed to continue in education and later employment.

The new package of support forms part of the UK’s ongoing relationship with Malawi.

The £11.6 million support package was confirmed to the Malawian Government by the UK’s International Development Minister Grant Shapps, who is currently on a three-day official visit to the country and who met with the Malawi Scotland Partnership for breakfast on arriving in Malawi.

Minister of State Grant Shapps said:

“Investing in providing children and young people with a quality education is key to tackling the root causes of poverty in Malawi.

“Malawi's future doctors, nurses, IT experts, teachers and entrepreneurs will be vital in building a more prosperous nation. This is good for Malawi as well as firmly in the UK’s own interest as the two countries continue to work together and grow our relationship.”

The SMP has been encouraging DFID to increase its commitment to Malawi after what we perceive to be a significant decrease since 2012. We are therefore delighted with this news and applaud the renewed commitment to Malawi at this important time. We also greatly value Mr Shapps’ visit to Malawi early in his appointment and the recognition of the important role the people of Scotland play in supporting Malawi through dignified people-to-people and community-to-community partnerships.

This extra investment will make a huge difference to a great many young Malawians: transforming lives through improved education.