Quality assurance in remote schools across Mzimba South is set for a significant boost following the delivery of five new motorcycles an intervention expected to improve supervision and raise education standards across the district.
The motorcycles, procured by the Ministry of Education and handed over to M’mbelwa District Council, are aimed at addressing long-standing mobility challenges that have hindered regular school inspections, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where some schools are located up to 20 kilometres apart.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Friday, Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Bridget Nungu, described the donation as a timely intervention that will strengthen monitoring systems and enhance service delivery in schools.
Mzimba South has 26 education zones, but according to Nungu, inadequate transport has remained a major obstacle for quality assurance officers tasked with supervising teaching and learning.
“Previously, only 14 zones had functional motorcycles. With this latest donation, the number has increased to 19, although seven zones still remain without,” she said.
Nungu emphasized that effective supervision is critical to improving the quality of education, noting that regular school visits help ensure teaching standards are upheld and that learners achieve better outcomes.
Acting Director of Administration, Viston Mulungu representing the District Commissioner urged officers to use the motorcycles responsibly and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee long-term benefits.
“These motorcycles are a valuable public resource. They must be used for their intended purpose and well maintained so that communities continue to benefit,” he said.
Mulungu also commended the government for its continued investment in the education sector, citing the recent provision of a vehicle by the Millennium Challenge Corporation as part of broader efforts to improve service delivery.
For officers on the ground, the motorcycles are expected to transform daily operations.
Pauline Chiwanda, a Quality Assurance Officer in Vazala Zone who oversees 11 schools, said the development will make it easier to reach previously inaccessible schools.
“In some cases, schools are very far apart, and mobility has been a serious challenge. These motorcycles will greatly simplify our work and help us visit schools more consistently,” she said.
The motorcycles have been distributed across several hard-to-reach zones, including Mzoma, Vazala, Kanjuchi, and Chizungu, with one unit also designated to support special needs education marking a step forward in promoting inclusive and effective learning for all.
