Are Our Children Learning? A Policy Briefing for Members of Parliament in Malawi

Despite near-universal school enrolment, only 19% of Malawian children aged 7-14 can read with understanding, and just 13% show basic numeracy. Free primary and secondary education have widened access, but classrooms remain overcrowded and under-resourced, and most children are progressing through school without mastering the basics.

This briefing sets out the evidence for why foundational learning must be a national priority, looks at the funding and teaching gaps holding progress back (including a sharp drop in education's budget share and a shortage of over 50,000 teachers), and offers concrete recommendations for Parliament on oversight, financing, teacher support, and community engagement.