DISCOM, ISAMA launch initiative to promote education

Malawi: Development Information Systems for Community (DISCOM) Communications, a Malawian-based organisation with a global network that connects Malawians to higher education in any country of their choice, has launched a project that brings the LEARN Initiative MALAWI - AFRICA- International interschool'sBonanza to schools in Malawi and across Africa.

According to DISCOM Managing Director Doreen Dalitso Kayoyo, the initiative aims to promote Education and Arts as part of extracurricular activities while also providing a platform for Vocational Guidance and Counseling to help schools lay a better foundation.

She added that the programme also aims to promote mindset change, innovative talent identification, and encouraging gifted children to develop an interest in improving their inborn, learned, and life skills for better citizenship.

"The programme requires a collaborative effort from Learners, Parents, and Teachers, as well as support from all key stakeholders. The Bonanza's planned operation has been clearly defined. ISAMA and key facilitators from the Global Network of DISCOM Communications Limited will share responsibilities 50:50,” she elaborated.

"ISAMA will mobilise and manage the registration of participating schools, while DISCOM will manage the BONANZA activities and collaborate with all key players involved in the BONANZA."

“A comprehensive approach to improving our educational system,” she said.

ISAMA president Wyclif Chimwendo stated that, in addition to making its membership available to participate in the Bonanza, it will unearth hidden talents in students from various schools.

"We will also provide much-needed extracurricular activities with a massive participatory environment, and this bonanza will also bring the ISAMA family together as students interact during the activities," Chimwendo explained.

One of DISCOM's beneficiaries, 17-year-old Evans Banda from Lilongwe's area 36, who caught DISCOM's attention when he developed a drone, encouraged his fellow youths to participate in the Bonanza's various activities because it could open doors for them.

"I am grateful to DISCOM for providing me with the opportunity to travel to India to study Aerospace engineering at GNA University, as the country does not offer the studies," he said.

The DISCOM Managing Director said the Bonanza is based on the Capacity Development approach, which builds on existing skills and knowledge to drive a dynamic and flexible change in the personalities of their subjects, who are the parents, teachers, and learners.