TUM Programs Coordinator Pilirani Kamaliza says now that primary schools are receiving grants from government and different partners, there is need for provision of checks and balances on management of these resources.

He said this on Wednesday in Mulanje during a sensitization meeting on the social accountability which focused on the role of chiefs and school structures in prudent management of school resources.

“These school structures and not forgetting chiefs should ensure that there is transparency and accountability in implementation of school projects,” said Kamaliza.

Head teacher of Mitawa 1 Primary School in Mulanje Flyson Chawinga told Zodiak Online that they work together with SMC, the PTA and the Mother Group in identification and prioritization of challenges at the school, and procurement of either stationary or building materials.

“No any school structure is left behind in the implementation of any project at our school and all structures participate in all processes,” said Chawinga. 

Chairperson of Mitawa Primary School Salimu Kholowa collaborated Chawinga’s sentiments.

“Of course the grants we receive from government are not adequate considering the challenges our school is facing but we strive to prioritize them in accordance with our resource envelope,” said Kholowa.

TUM has piloted implementation of the “Improving Social Accountability Project within the Education Sector” in Mulanje, Thyolo, Chitipa, Ntchisi, Mzimba and Dowa districts with financial support from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).