Educational Innovations in Developing Countries : Implications and Challenges for Policy Change in Malawi

Abstract

This paper tries to share some of the experiences that developing countries face in trying to improve the provision of basic education services. The paper is based on the experiences from the work the author has done over a number of years in the field of education. In particular, the author uses the Free Primary Education policy in Malawi to demonstrate the predicaments that these countries face when they are encouraged to attempt to achieve Education For All (EFA). The paper's main message is that in the short-run, the achievement of EFA is not possible without a high degree of committed assistance from local and international organisations. The amount of resource need and the accompanying logistics make the task insurmountable for these developing countries. initiatives in the development of primary education system invite a closer study of what mechanisms were employed to improve access, retention and promotion, and what strategies were used to meet the need for additional resources to support the expansion. While the evidence for the paper comes from studies done in Malawi, the issues raised can apply to most of the developing countries of Africa especially those of the Sub-Saharan region. First, a brief historical account of Malawi is given. Then, an elaboration of the FPE policy is made including some preparations to the implementation of the policy. The strategies for the implementation are outlined and this is followed by a discussion of the challenges faced in the process. The last section concludes the paper with a brief discussion of the issues and lesson learnt and some policy directions.