Strengthening Leadership for Sustainable Education
Ulalo’s Effective Leadership Training for BEFIT RCT Schools
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Ulalo successfully conducted a series of Effective Leadership Training sessions aimed at strengthening leadership capacity among zonal and school-level leaders in BEFIT RCT schools. The training sessions were designed to equip education leaders with the skills, mindset, and systems needed to ensure sustainable implementation of BEFIT within the existing government education structures.
The first training took place on 22 January in Rumphi District, which has five BEFIT RCT schools. The training was graced by Fides Msowoya, the Director of Education and Sports (DES) for Rumphi District, who emphasized the importance of leadership in strengthening school systems and improving learning outcomes. Msowoya highlighted the importance of being responsive and applying the skills learned in training to their respective zones and schools in order to equally benefit each and every child.
“It is important we understand the leadership training concepts which will benefit our children in strengthening their numeracy and literacy skills.” Said Msowoya.
Fides Msowoya, Director of Education and Sports (DES) for Mzimba North
Msowoya further stressed on encouraging leaders to continuously conduct Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis regularly to strengthen program delivery and as one of the pioneers of the program, leaders bare an impact for the future generations.
“We need to conduct SWOT analysis in order to properly know how to deliver bearing in mind that as pioneers, our efforts will impact future generations.”
On 23 January, the training was held for leaders from Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu, where Nkhata Bay has eleven BEFIT RCT schools and Mzuzu has one BEFIT RCT school. The event was graced by the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) from both districts, who delivered powerful messages on responsibility, sustainability, and accountability in education leadership.
The CEO for Mzuzu city, Boston Nkhoma appealed to the zonal and school leaders to do their level best in implementing the program stating that, Implementation Support Partners like Ulalo are here to equip them with foundational skills and instill confidence in order for the leaders to independently implement the program.
Chief Education Officer for Mzuzu city, Boston Nkhoma
“Our duty as leaders is to do our best and ensure that this program succeeds. If we fail, we fail our pupils, and in 2063 they will look back at us as failures. Ulalo is here to train us to do our best, but they will not be here forever. We must be able to stand on our own and sustain this work.” Said Nkhoma.
CEO for Nkhatabay District, Griffin Yaphama Mhango commended the leaders’ efforts towards the end goal of BEFIT program. He further described leadership as action-oriented and visionary stating that a good leader knows how to be exemplary and is always on the forefront to ensure successful implementation is done in their school or zone.
Chief Education Officer for Nkhatabay District, Griffin Yaphama Mhango
“A leader is someone who shows the way, knows the way, and goes the way. Malawi is among the pioneers in implementing BEFIT, and this is a great investment in our education system and our future.”
The final training took place on 27 January in Mzimba South, which has eleven BEFIT RCT schools. This session reinforced the importance of effective leadership, collaboration, and system strengthening at both zonal and school levels.
CEO for Mzimba South, Twec Msowoya acknowledged efforts done by Ulalo as an ISP to ensure leaders are well equipped with delivery and leadership skills which is going to play a huge role in the success of BEFIT.
Chief Education Officer for Mzimba South, Twec Msowoya
“We are really grateful for the knowledge and skills our supporting partner Ulalo is bringing because, our leaders from the zone and school will grasp ways on how to lead effectively.” Said Msowoya.
Across all three training sessions, the central message was clear: leadership is the foundation for the success and sustainability of BEFIT. Leaders were reminded that BEFIT is implemented using the Systems Strengthening Approach (SSA), which focuses on building capacity within existing government systems rather than creating parallel structures.
The Executive Director of Ulalo, James Gondwe, emphasized the importance of SSA and the critical role of leadership in ensuring sustainability
“BEFIT is implemented using the Systems Strengthening Approach, which focuses on building capacity within the existing government system. We are not replacing the education system; we are strengthening it. Our role is to ensure that schools, zones, and districts are empowered to carry this work forward even in our absence.” Said Gondwe.
Executive Director for Ulalo, James Gondwe
He further highlighted the role of Zonal Implementation Teams (ZITs) as the primary link between the schools and the district implementation team emphasizing that their effective leadership is what will produce seamless implementation results.
“ZITs provide day-to-day supervision, mentoring, and coordination of BEFIT activities. They are the primary link between schools and the District Implementation Team, ensuring challenges are addressed and progress is effectively monitored.” Commented Gondwe.
The training sessions also emphasized proactive leadership, effective teacher management, strong community involvement, accurate data collection, and collaboration between schools, zones, and districts. Leaders were encouraged not to wait for constant supervision but to take initiative in planning, resource mobilization, and strengthening community participation.
Through these leadership training sessions, Ulalo confirmed its commitment to empowering education leaders with the skills and confidence needed to sustain BEFIT beyond project support. By strengthening systems, nurturing responsible leadership, and fostering collaboration, Ulalo continues to build a solid foundation for quality education and a better future for Malawi’s learners.
