Scotland Malawi Partnership
Scotland-Malawi
Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
NOVEMBER
2012
03 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Contents:
Foreword
04
Executive Summary
05
Introduction
07
CHAPTER ONE: Malawian Priorities in Further and Higher Education Partnerships
08
Contributors
08
09
Summary of responses
CHAPTER TWO: Directory of Existing Further and Higher Education Partnerships
10
Elmwood College
12
Glasgow Caledonian University
13
Queen Margaret University
14
Stevenson College Edinburgh
16
Scotland’s Rural College
17
The Open University in Scotland
19
University of Dundee
21
University of Edinburgh
22
University of Glasgow
26
University of Highlands and Islands
30
University of St Andrews
32
University of Stirling
34
University of Strathclyde
35
University of the West of Scotland
42
CHAPTER THREE: Opportunities for Future Collaboration
44
The Way Forwards
44
Partnership Drivers
44
Principles Behind Successful Partnerships
44
Priority Areas
44
Gender Mainstreaming
55
Key Recommendations
46
04 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Foreword:
I’m extremely pleased to provide some introductory thoughts
to this document on “Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher
Education Linking”, which arrives at an important and crucial
turning point in the history of higher education in Malawi.
This document does not come as a surprise because
Scotland has had very long, special and cordial ties with
Malawi. Dating back to the work of Scottish missionary
explorer Dr David Livingstone in 1859, Scots have been
working with the people of Malawi for over 150 years in
various fields including higher education. The relationship
between our two countries has continued to grow from
strength to strength and bear exciting new fruits.
The Government of Malawi recognizes that higher education
is a necessary condition for economic development of any
country. Accordingly, universities are expected to advance
knowledge, promote wisdom and understanding; and
provide services by engaging in teaching and research; and
by facilitating the dissemination, promotion and preservation
of learning responsive to the needs of Malawi and the
world. The National Education Sector Plan (2008-2017)
identifies expanding equitable access, improving quality and
relevance, and enhancing management and governance of
the system as index goals of the overall national education
sector strategic plan.
The Scotland Malawi Partnership’s Further and Higher
Education Forum is a timely initiative which will likely add
value and make a difference as both countries benefit in an
informed, well coordinated, effective and efficient way.
“I am extremely pleased that this Forum supports
mutual understanding, shared learning
collaborative working opportunities.”
and
Coming from this Forum, this report profiles over 40 HE/FE
project links between Scotland and Malawi in subject areas
such as agriculture, ICT, quality assurance, governance, health,
librarianship, forestry and e-learning; demonstrating the great
scope and scale of the many interconnected partnerships.
“It is hoped this directory of projects will help
promote future collaborative efforts, as well as
strengthen current partnerships.”
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in
the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that
missing drop.” Mother Teresa
I like that quote by Mother Teresa. Very much. It suggests
to me the importance of our daily efforts to make this world
a better place, no matter how insignificant those efforts
may seem to us. Because in the end, none of us has the
power to change things alone … but we do have the power
to help change things. We can add our drop. Call it a drop
in the ocean or a drop in the bucket. Whatever. It’s an
important drop. The reality of human life is that we are unique
individuals who can only function by pooling our efforts as a
society. We need each other. And ultimately we succeed or
fail as a team, like it or not. When individuals recognize this
truth, we gain a richer perspective that enables us to develop
and share ourselves more fully with society.
Motivated by something larger than “me,” we feel more
determined to persevere through difficulties than when acting
solely out of self-interest. In other words, I believe that we
gain both as individuals and as a society if we focus our lives
on adding our special drop to that pool of water. We elevate
our own existence and help to elevate the existence of our
fellow human beings. And who knows? Our drop may turn
out to be a few drops — or a whole cupful of water. Most of
us probably would agree that Mother Teresa gave the world
more than a single drop, surely, whatever her own doubts
may have been. But we don’t have to become Mother Teresa
to do our part. We each only have to be who we are and try
to share that with others as best we can.
What we have learnt is that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.
A person who stands by his or her friend in adversity is a true
friend. Selfless love is the base of true friendship. True friends
share each other’s joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure.
05 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
They do not fall off in adversity. They have full confidence in
each other. They never betray each other. Prosperity makes
friends, adversity tries them. A selfless friend is a blessing; a
selfish friend is a curse. The first is an angel and the second
is a devil.
Forwards. Together.
will assist future signposting in both Scotland and Malawi, and
will support the development and strengthening of Scotland’s
numerous further and higher education Malawi links.
True friendship means great self-sacrifice on the part of
both. True friends forego pleasure and convenience. They
go out of their way and face difficulties in their way with joy
and even with pride as they seek to make a difference.
It is further hoped that documenting the FE/HE Forum’s
efforts will encourage other stakeholders, particularly
funders, governments, and university partners, to actively
engage in supporting the ongoing further and higher
education Malawi links. While much has changed in the past
years, many challenges remain.
A wise man once said that a journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step.
“Dr Livingstone, I presume” would be proud of this timely
initiative.
It is hoped this report will raise awareness of existing activities
in the sector and provide a sense of direction for future
cooperation. Having this information in one single resource
Associate Professor Dixie Maluwa-Banda,
Director of Higher Education, Government of Malawi
Assoc. Professor Dixie Maluwa-Banda, Ph.D
Director of Higher Education,
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Government of Malawi
06 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Executive
Summary:
The myriad Further and Higher Education partnerships
which exist between Scotland and Malawi are predicated
on the shared values of cooperation, mutual respect and
collaboration. Such partnerships promote economic and
social development; facilitate the sharing of knowledge,
experience and expertise; and make a valuable contribution
towards poverty alleviation by building a strong knowledge
economy attuned to national challenges and local solutions.
The majority of these bilateral partnerships in tertiary
education receive no external funding. Rather, they are
largely funded by the institutions themselves and are entirely
reliant on the goodwill, energy and commitment of those
involved. Evidence suggests such partnerships have a very
strong positive impact in both Malawi and Scotland: they
promote poverty reduction, economic development and
social transformation, and develop research capacities,
curriculum content, and teaching and learning experiences
for the benefit of both nations.
The Scotland Malawi Partnership’s Further and Higher
Education Forum was set up in February 2012 to support
such shared learning and collaborative working, and help
inform future activity. Coming from this Forum, this report
profiles over 40 HE/FE project links between Scotland and
Malawi in subject areas as diverse as librarianship, forestry
and e-learning; demonstrating the great scope and scale
of the many interconnected partnerships. It is hoped this
directory of projects will help promote future collaborative
efforts, as well as strengthen current partnerships.
Based on input from Malawian and Scottish institutions,
and discussion among the SMP FE/HE Forum members,
this report outlines a number of reflections which could help
strengthen existing Scotland-Malawi links, and develop new
partnerships:
1. There is significant enthusiasm and commitment across
Scottish and Malawian universities and colleges to build
on existing links, and develop new partnerships.
2. There is recognition within the sector of the value of
harmonising partnership efforts where possible, in order
to most effectively foster and develop HE and FE links.
3. The SMP FE and HE Forum can play an instrumental
role in creating opportunities for coordination and
collaboration among Scottish universities and colleges
with links to Malawi.
4. The Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) – the SMP’s
sister organisation in Malawi – offers a new opportunity
for improved communication channels between Scotland
and Malawi, as well as enabling better coordination and
collaboration among Malawian universities and colleges
with links to Scotland.
5. Priority areas for future working, as identified by the
SMP HE and FE forum, include:
• Governance
• Access
• Quality assurance
• Training and support
• ICT
• Student involvement
07 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Introduction:
Higher Education academic exchange funded by the Scottish
Government (see project report ). The project facilitated the
exchange of knowledge and expertise between Scottish
and Malawian practitioners in higher education. As the
project drew to a close in 2011 it became clear that one
of its greatest challenges was how to effectively capture,
collate and consolidate the incredible number of new higher
education links which now exist between Scotland and
Malawi. To this end, in February 2012 the Scotland Malawi
Partnership established a Further and Higher Education (FE/
HE) Forum.
The Forum exists to:
i) Support and raise awareness of existing ScotlandMalawi HE/FE links, promoting collaborative working
and shared learning, and reducing duplication of effort.
ii) Establish a central channel for the dissemination
of Malawian HE/FE priorities and support Scottish
institutions to work within these areas.
iii)Facilitate the sharing of experience, learning and
resources between Scottish HE/FE institutions.
iv)Disseminate HE/FE news from Malawi to Scottish
HE/FE institutions.
Following its inaugural meeting it was recommended that the
SMP compile a national report on Scotland-Malawi FE/HE
links, which will support shared learning and collaborative
working, and help inform future activity in this area.
Between February and May 2012 the Scotland Malawi
Partnership contacted Scottish and Malawian universities,
colleges and governmental representatives to gather
detailed information on: Malawian priorities for future FE/HE
work [Chapter One], and all existing FE/HE links between
Scotland and Malawi [Chapter Two]. In June 2012 the SMP
FE and HE Forum met for the second time to discuss the
information collected, and to feed into the final chapter of
the report on: priority areas for future collaborative working
[Chapter Three].
Chapter One: Malawian Priorities in FE/HE Partnerships:
15 colleagues from Malawi, representing seven institutions fed
into the report, particularly focusing on the issues of Malawian
priorities in FE/HE work. Each representative reflected on the
following four questions:
(1) What do you feel are the three key strategic priorities
for the development of further and higher education
in Malawi over the coming five years?
(2) How do you feel Scotland could help contribute
towards the above priority areas?
(3) What do you think are the three most significant
challenges for further and higher education in
Malawi over the coming five years?
(4) Aside from the above, are there any other key
opportunities with regard future Scotland-Malawi
further and higher education links?
Chapter Two: Directory of Existing FE/HE Partnerships:
14 Scottish universities and colleges, representing 41
separate project partnerships with Malawi, fed into the report.
Each institution shared key contact details, a brief outline of
their engagement, their linking experience and their hopes for
developing their partnership with Malawi. These FE/HE links
represented partnerships in the fields of education, health,
librarianship, land management, archival management,
agriculture, new technologies, forestry and anthropology.
This directory does not claim to be an exhaustive record of all
FE and HE Scotland-Malawi links but is indicative of the many
and varied partnerships that exist. It is an attempt to begin to
collate and network institutions and departments working in
similar areas and with shared colleagues in Malawi. The report
will be made available on the SMP website and be annually
reviewed to keep an up to date record of FE/HE links between
Scotland and Malawi.
Chapter Three: Opportunities for Future Collaboration:
On 11th June 2012 representatives from the SMP Further
and Higher Education Forum met to discuss the initial two
chapters of the annual report. Based on the report outlined
in Chapters One and Two, and the discussions held at the
meeting, the following areas were agreed as priority areas for
future collaborative working:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Governance
Access
Quality assurance
Training and support
ICT
Student involvement
It is hoped this report will raise awareness of existing activities
in the sector and provide a sense of direction for future
cooperation. Having this information in one single resource
will assist future signposting in both Scotland and Malawi, and
will support the development and strengthening of Scotland’s
numerous further and higher education Malawi links.
08 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Chapter One:
Malawian Priorities in FE/HE Partnerships
Between February and May 2012 the SMP contacted Malawian university, college and governmental
representatives, asking them to identify key priorities in the higher and further education sector in Malawi. The
list of contributors, and a summary of their responses are outlined below.
Contributors
Name
Role
Institution
Email
Scottish Link
Dr. Address
Malata
Principal
Kamuzu College of Nursing
[email protected]
Scotland Malawi Partnership
and Queen Margaret
University
Mrs Bettie
Kawonga
Principal Agriculture
Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
Irrigation and Water
Development, Government
of Malawi
[email protected]
Scotland’s Rural College
Prof Brighton
Uledi-Kamanga,
Professor of English
Chancellor College
[email protected]
Scotland Malawi Partnership
Assoc. Prof Dixie
Maluwa-Banda
Director of Higher
Education
Government of Malawi
[email protected]
Scotland Malawi Partnership
Sr. Eunice Dambo
Education Division
South West Education
[email protected]
Glasgow City Council
Dr. Fanny Chilera,
Senior Lecturer, Animal
Science
UNIMA Bunda
[email protected]
Scotland’s Rural College
Dr. Fidelis Edge
Kanyongolo
Lecturer, Faculty of Law
Chancellor College
[email protected]
Scotland Malawi Partnership/
The University of Edinburgh
Mrs Jarret
Mhango
Senior Lecturer/Dean
Faculty of Environmental
Sciences
Mzuzu University
[email protected]
No current links
Prof. J.P. Mtimuni
Professor of Animal
Nutrition
UNIMA Bunda
[email protected]
Scotland’s Rural College
Mrs Liveness
Banda
Senior Lecturer and
Deputy Head, Animal
Science
Senior Lecturer and
Deputy Head, Animal
Science
[email protected]
Scotland’s Rural College/
University of Edinburgh
Dr. M.W.
Mfitilodze
Associate Professor/
Dean Faculty of
Agriculture
UNIMA Bunda
[email protected]
Scotland’s Rural College
Mr Patrick
Mangochi
Lecturer, Biomedical
Sciences and
Reproductive Health
Mzuzu University
[email protected]
Queen Margaret University
Dr. Timothy
Gondwe
Associate Professor and
Head of Department,
Animal Science
UNIMA Bunda
[email protected]
Scotland’s Rural College
Prof. Tony
Grimason and
Dr. Tracy Morse
Professor of
Environmental Health
and Lecturer in EH/
Project Manager of
SCHI
University of Malawi –
Polytechnic / University of
Strathclyde
[email protected]
[email protected]
Strathclyde University
09 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Summary of responses:
1. Key strategic priorities for the development of
3.Most significant challenges for further and higher
further and higher education in Malawi over the
education in Malawi over the coming five years:
coming 5 years:
1. Problems with staff (turnover and training)
1. Increase equitable access
2. Poor infrastructure
2. Strengthen infrastructure (ICT and teaching
3. Limited financial and educational resources
equipment)
3. Capacity building/more training (for both staff and
students)
4. Problems with equitable access/number of spaces
5. Limited long-term strategic planning
6. Difficulties regulating quality and accreditation
4. Developing research capacity and capabilties
5. Quality assurance
6. Governance/strategic planning
4. Key opportunities with regard to future ScotlandMalawi further and higher education links:
1. Collaboration and exchange
2.Opportunities for Scottish partners to help
2. Modernisation, particularly new technologies
contribute towards the above priority areas:
3. Further training
1. Linking and exchange
4. Improved national political context has created more
2. Funding for postgraduates and staff training
3. Funding for research and accommodation facilities
4. Sharing monitoring and evaluation experience
of an enabling environment for collaboration
10 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Chapter Two:
Directory of Existing FE/HE Partnerships
Between February and May 2012 the Scotland Malawi Partnership contacted Scottish universities and colleges to
collect information on existing FE/HE links between Scotland and Malawi. It is hoped by having this information in
one report it will act as a useful resource for future signposting in both countries. All of the information provided
below will also be replicated in the SMP’s online database
Summary table
Scottish university and college
project links with Malawi
Area of work
Malawian partner
Page
Elmwood College
1.Librarianship
Resources Management
Mzuzu Techincal College
12
1. Education in pregnancy and diabetes in Malawi
Health
College of Medicine, Zomba Central
Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital
and Malawi College of Health Sciences
13
2. Land management
Land Management
Glasgow Caledonian University
13
Queen Margaret University
1. Collaboration with Malawi College of Medicine
Health
College of Medicine
14
2. Youth access to antiretroviral therapy
Health
College of Medicine
15
3. Collaboration with Kamuzu College of Nursing
Health
Kamuzu College of Nursing, Lilongwe
15
4. Collaboration with Mzuzu University
Health
Mzuzu University, Mzuzu
15
Teaching
Soche Technical College
16
1. Optimising Smallhoder Dairying
Agriculture
Bunda College, Lilongwe
17
2. Enhancing capacity to service smallholder dairy
development in Malawi-dairy development
Agriculture
Bunda College, Lilongwe
18
3. Enhancing capacity to service smallholder dairy
development in Malawi-climate change
Agriculture
Bunda College, Lilongwe
18
Education
Forum for African Women Educationalists
in Malawi (FAWEMA)
20
Medical Student
Education
Nkhoma Hospital and College of Medicine
21
1. Redd Horizon
Forestry
FRIM, Mzuni and Bunda College
22
2. Modelling farmer’s decision-making in response
to climate change
Agriculture/climate
change
None
23
Stevenson College Edinburgh
1. Malawi/Scotland Leading Learning Project
Scotland’s Rural College
The Open University in Scotland
1. Malawi Access to Teaching Saltire Scholarships
University of Dundee
1. Medicine in Malawi Programme (MIMP)
University of Edinburgh
11 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Scottish university and college
project links with Malawi
Forwards. Together.
Area of work
Malawian partner
Page
University of Edinburgh
3. e-Learning in clinical education
Health/education
College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of
Nursing and Malawi College of Health
Sciences
23
4. Lifelong learning in medical education
Health/education
College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of
Nursing and Malawi College of Health
Sciences
24
5. Using e-learning to build capacity for healthcare
professional education in Malawi (2006-2008)
Health/education
College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of
Nursing and Malawi College of Health
Sciences
24
1. MSc Library and Information Science
Archival management
Chancellor College
26
2. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Archival management
National Archives of Malawi
27
3. Automation of title deep map production
Surveying
Malawi Department of Surveying and
Mapping
27
4. Scoping exercise-joint research opportunities
Surveying
Malawi Department of Surveying and
Mapping
27
5. Knowledge sharing
Surveying
Malawi Department of Surveying and
Mapping
27
6. Student Volunteers Abroad
Education/health
AYISE and NAYO
28
7. SKIP Glasgow
Education/health
Chikondo and Mphatso Orphan Care
Centre
28
8. Research links
Education technology
Mzuzu University
29
9. Environmental management and agricultural
development
Agriculture
Bunda College
29
Health
College of Medicine, Ekwendeni Hospital
and CHAM (Nasanje)
31
Curriculum and IT
support
College of Medicine
33
Religious education
Chancellor College
34
1. ‘making wonders’
Education (additional
support needs)
Monfort Special Needs Education College
36
2. Scotland Chikhwawa Health Initiative
Health
UNIMA and Chikhwawa District Hospital
36
3. Teaching the teachers
Education
Chancellor College
37
4. STEKA Children’s Village
Orphan care/advocacy
Step Kids Awareness
38
5. Students for Malawi Teaching Placements
Education
Ministry of Education
38
6. Rehabilitation and education in the Malawian
criminal justice system
Prisons/education
UNIMA and Ministry of Internal Affairs
38
7. Move for Malawi
Sport
Polytechnic
39
8. Hockey Malawi
Sport
Hockey Association of Malawi
39
9. Malawi REAP
Community and
renewable energy
Polytechnic
39
10.Strathclyde International Development
Agriculture
Marcel Chisi Foundation
40
11.MSc in Hydrogeology and Civil Engineering
Education
Polytechnic (WASHTED)
40
12.Malawi Millennium Project
Philanthropic
Various
41
Health care education
College of Medicine
43
University of Glasgow
University of Highlands and Islands
1. Sabbatical study
University of St Andrews
1. Enhancing healthcare training
University of Stirling
1. Departmental links
University of Strathclyde
University of the West of Scotland
1. Development of a multi-professional skills in
Blantyre
12 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Elmwood
College
Lead College Contact:
Ms Carol Borthwick, Director of International, Golf and Student Services
Contact Information:
Carslogie Road, Cupar, Fife KY15 4JB
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.elmwood.ac.uk
Direct dial: 01334 658832
Elmwood College has been involved with FE Colleges
in Malawi since May 2008 through the delivery of the
Development Programme for Malawian Principals. This
involvement was built upon by partnering two Colleges
in Malawi – Mzuzu Technical College and Livingstonia
Technical College. Latterly, the College has been
sponsoring professional training for a Librarianship
in Mzuzu Technical College and providing mentoring
for leadership. There has also been an ongoing
involvement in the development of quality assurance
and improvement policies and procedures.
Librarianship
Lead Contact:
Ms Christine Barclay
Contact Details:
Carslogie Road, Cupar, Fife KY15 4JB
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.elmwood.ac.uk
Direct dial: 01334 658810
Project Partner in Malawi:
Mzuzu Technical College, Mr Alufeyo Manda
Area of work:
Librarianship and learning Resources Management
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Since August 2010, sponsorship in professional development of
Library Services and Learning Resources Management in Malawi.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Supporting professional development in Malawi; development of
resources and processes in Colleges.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Further professional development of specific individuals in Malawi to
target capacity development in FE Colleges.
13 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Glasgow Caledonian
University
Lead College Contact:
Dr Jane Nally and Dr Bill Young
Contact Information:
[email protected] Tel 0141 331 8523
[email protected] Tel 0141 331 3212
GCU are currently putting together a project to try to
obtain funding to undertake education in pregnancy
and diabetes in Malawi. GCU further plan to bring key
Health Care Workers back to Scotland to train them as
trainers. They will establish the framework and materials
for continuing education in diabetes in Malawi and for
local support for Health Care Workers in this field. This
will also instigate better record keeping of the incidence
of diabetes in pregnant women in Malawi.
Education in pregnancy and diabetes in Malawi
Lead Contact:
Area of work:
Contact Details:
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Dr Jane Nally and Dr Bill Young
[email protected] Tel 0141 331 8523
[email protected] Tel 0141 331 3212
Project Partner in Malawi:
University of Malawi, College of Medicine & Malawi-LiverpoolWellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Zomba Central
Hospital, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen Elizabeth
Central Hospital and Malawi College of Health Sciences
Land Management
Lead Contact:
Mr Malawi Ngwira
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Mzuzu University
Health
GCU have worked with the following on preparation of this project and
in other areas pertinent to diabetes for up to four years:
-Prof Moffat J Nyirenda of University of Malawi, College of Medicine
& Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme;
-Chief Matron M. Nyirenda of Zomba Central Hospital;
-Dr Bonus Makanani, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen
Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre;
-N. Kaphagawani of Malawi College of Health Sciences;
-Johnathan Gamma of Zomba Central Hospital.
Area of work:
Land Management
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Malawi Ngwira is collaborating with the Department of Land
Management in a number of areas which he is intending to push
forward, subject to funding and input from elsewhere. Some of these
areas include helping to develop their curricula in some of their courses
in order to have an international perspective; setting up a unit to utilise
the existing expertise to generate funding for the University; joint
research in the Built Environment and many more. The contacts at
Mzuzu are Lucky Kabanga and Ms Jarret Mhango.
14 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Queen Margaret
University
Lead College Contact:
Dr. Bregje de Kok
Contact Information:
[email protected]
QMU has links (based on current or past collaborations)
with several HE institutions including College of Medicine,
Kamuzu College of Nursing and Mzuzu University. IIHD
has had links with Malawi since the early 1990s. Most
collaborations involve health departments. They include
joint research and publications (Barbara McPake, Bregje
de Kok) and development of HE programmes and PG
education for Malawians at Msc and PhD level. IIHD
normally has a relatively large cohort of Malawian Msc
students (approx. 5 per year) and PhD students.
Collaboration with Malawi College of Medicine
Lead Contact:
Prof. Barbara McPake
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
College of Medicine
Area of work:
IIHD assisted CoM to establish a Masters programme in Health
Services Management (funded by Scottish Government) and has
supported further development of a B.SC programme.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Understanding of post-graduate health related field in Malawi
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
IIHD are happy that CoM has taken this over and are managing without
further support. QMU would like to undertake similar initiatives to
expand health related post graduate provision in Malawi, developing
new essential courses with CoM and other HE institutions but have no
active initiatives underway of this type.
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
IIHD’s collaboration with CoM began in 2006/7; the M.Sc programme
was first offered in 2008 and the B.Sc programme first offered in 2010.
QMU are no longer directly involved, as planned, CoM took over
the full running of both programmes in 2010. The collaboration was
funded by a grant from the Scottish Government International Fund.
Patrick Mangochi
SMP Fellow at Queen
Margaret University
15 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
ESRC funded research project on youth access
to antiretroviral therapy
Lead Contact:
programme as it affected youth. The full report with complete
description is available through the ESRC website.
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Prof. Barbara McPake
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
College of Medicine
Area of work:
Research
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
IIHD investigated access and rationing within the antiretroviral
Understanding of the functioning of the HIV treatment programme;
understanding of the social science and health research terrain.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Hoping to conduct further research on the operation of HIV treatment
in Malawi, for which they are looking for new funding.
Collaboration with Kamuzu College of Nursing
Lead Contact:
collaborations, possibly to be extended
collaborations. Academic skills building.
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Dr. Bregje de Kok
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Kamuzu College of Nursing/ Andrew Simwaka
Area of work:
Research; Reproductive loss
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Duration of the collaboration: Approximately three years.
Collaboration on study on women’s perceptions of nursing care during
perinatal loss.
Simwaka, A., Kok, B. C. de. & Chilembe, W. (under review). Women’s
Perceptions of Nurses’ Caring Behaviours during Perinatal Loss in
Lilongwe, Malawi: An Exploratory Study. Midwifery.
Objectives: sharing of insights, joint publication, future research
to
future
teaching
Happy to share findings concerning nursing care and to discuss potential
implications for nursing practice and training with SMP members active in
these areas. Although IIHD need to await outcome of review to determine
success, in their view this collaboration was successful because an
interesting and important study had been conducted but the literature
review, analysis and write up lacked the academic rigour required for
publication. This IIHD-KCN collaboration increased chance of publication
and dissemination of important findings. These kinds of collaborations
are one way of building academic research capacity in Malawi.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Future research collaborations, possibly to be extended to future
teaching collaborations.
Collaboration with Mzuzu University
Lead Contact:
literature review on infertility services for HIV+ people with fertility
problems.
Contact Details:
Objectives: sharing of research and teaching insights, joint publication,
academic skills building.
Project Partner in Malawi:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Dr. Bregje de Kok
[email protected]
Mzuzu University / Patrick Mangochi
Area of work:
Sexual and Reproductive Health (HIV; infertility; menopause)
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Duration of the coll ls building.
Patrick Mangochi worked at IIHD as one of the SMP fellows. He was
able to contribute to Msc teaching, and enhanced his academic skills
in part by attending some of our Msc modules and attending some
of the training for PhD students. In addition, they collaborated on a
There was an excellent match in Patrick’s and IIHD staff’s interest/
expertise; this meant that the fellowship was truly of benefit to both
partners.
IIHD are hopeful that the collaboration will be extended by Patrick
doing a PhD at IIHD.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Future research collaborations
16 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Stevenson College
Edinburgh
Lead College Contact:
Mrs Heather Sutherland, Head of Administration IT & Tourism
Contact Information:
0131-535-4791; [email protected]
The college committee was set up in May 2008 – SCEAP
(SCE African Project) and it was agreed the first country
would be Malawi since the staff member setting up
the project was from Malawi. The project met regularly
and carried out several fund-raising events e.g. coffee
morning/jumble; raffles; ceilidh and when the Principal
of SCE’s Partner college visited in October 2009 he
was presented with £500 to support five students at his
college. The project also organised a container which sent
surplus SCE goods (as agreed with the partner college) to
Blantyre where they were collected by the Principal.
The project also had several key guest speakers at Committee
Meetings e.g. Lord Jack McConnell, David Hope-Jones,
Scotland-Malawi Partnership, a representative from the
Scottish Fire Service and the Vice President of James Watt
College regarding their project.
Malawi/Scotland Leading Learning Project
Lead Contact:
Brian Lister, Principal SCE
Contact Details:
0131-535-4628; [email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Guy Kawanga, Principal Soche Technical College, Blantyre
Area of work:
This project involved nine FE colleges in Scotland, led by Adam Smith
College and focussed on sharing teaching/delivery methodologies for
specific subject areas.
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Initially the project involved college Principals and Quality Managers
who carried out training and compiled a Quality Manual for colleges
in Malawi. In September 2009 all the Malawi College Principals visited
Scotland for a week and the partner college agreement was signed.
After this, groups of staff from Scottish colleges visited Lilongwe to
deliver training to groups of students from partner colleges.
Heather Sutherland, representing Administration courses, visited Malawi in
December 2009 and in her group there was someone from other colleges’
Motor Vehicle, Electrical and Business departments. There they discussed
carrying out TNAs, working with employers, different methods of learning
and teaching and also held workshops in the subject areas. Three months
later another group of staff from various colleges and disciplines visited
Malawi.
SCEAP also supports an individual Malawian student with books for
his studies via the Raven Trust charity.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Cultural information from the visit, experience and information re fundraising and course delivery.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Currently SCE still holds funds for the partner college which were raised
specifically for a library. Due to the recent political situation in Malawi
and the folding of the Leading Learning project, SCE has been unable
to send over this money. However, SCE are hopeful that within the near
future this partnership will be rekindled and that the money will be spent
where it was intended.
17 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Scotland’s Rural
College
Lead College Contact:
Dr. Mizeck Chagunda
Contact Information:
SRUC Dairy Research Centre, Hestan House, The Crichton, Dumfries,
DG1 4TA – Main Office: King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh,
EH9 3JG
SRUC has, with Bunda College (University of Malawi)
and Mzuzu University, worked together on livestock
development projects since 2008. During this period the
partnerships have facilitated staff exchange visits, joint
supervision of MSc and PhD students, training of trainers,
extension workers and farmer workshop events.
On 24th February 2011 a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) was signed between SRUC and Bunda College,
University of Malawi, to cement the organisation’s
growing relationship.
Optimising Smallholder Dairying
Lead Contact:
Dr. Mizeck Chagunda
Contact Details:
SRUC Dairy Research Centre, Hestan House, The Crichton, Dumfries,
DG1 4TA – Main Office: King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh,
EH9 3JG
Project Partner in Malawi:
Bunda College (University of Malawi)
Area of work:
Dairy Development
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
This project was for the period, 2008 to 2011. The overall aims of
this project were a) to assist in improving smallholder dairy production
through improved forage production, milk keeping quality, and
breeding strategies b) Capacity building through training in dairy
production. In this regard, 3 Malawian were trained at MSc level in
different aspects of dairy production c) to establish a farmer based
recording scheme that would correctly and timely analyse data from
farmers, interpret the results and provide feedback to farmers for
management interventions.
The project was carried out in collaboration with The Department
of Animal Health and Livestock Development of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Food Security and Bunda College of the University of
Malawi. The project was funded by the Scottish Government through
the International Development Fund.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The importance of training of Trainers, networking and Knowledge
exchange.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
More funding for scholarships to train more Malawians (more so
women) in the field of agricultural sciences.
18 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Enhancing capacity to service smallholder
dairy development in Malawi-dairy development
(Dairy Diploma Programme)
Lead Contact:
Dr. Mizeck Chagunda
Contact Details:
As above
Project Partner in Malawi:
Bunda College (University of Malawi)
Area of work:
Dairy Development
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
This project is assisting Bunda College in developing a national programme
focusing on smallholder dairy production’s identified needs and benefits.
Being a practical-focussed programme, the diploma programme will be
accessible to both new entrants and existing workforce. This will ensure
that new entrants are equipped with the tools needed in the industry
and that the current workforce be improved to meet the requirements
for the biological and economic efficiency of smallholder dairying. Two
MSc students and one PhD student are being trained and co-sponsored
under this project.
This is a 3 year project (2010 to 2013) and is funded by the Scottish
Government through the International Development Fund.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The importance of training of Trainers, networking and Knowledge
exchange.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
More funding for scholarships to train more Malawians (more so
women) in the field of agricultural sciences.
Enhancing capacity to service smallholder
dairy development in Malawi-climate change
(Dairy Diploma Programme)
Lead Contact:
Professor Dominic Moran and Dr. Mizeck Chagunda
Contact Details:
As above
Project Partner in Malawi:
Bunda College (University of Malawi)
Area of work:
Climate Change
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
This project will demonstrate methods for investigating the scope
of NAMAs in the sector (i.e. identifying climate compatible practices
and their synergies and trade-offs with other policy goals) and identify
pathways to link high potential options to national and global support. In
this context the research will work with policy makers to design key NAMA
examples, including developing appropriate monitoring reporting and
verification protocols, and institutional arrangements to link international
support to equitable participation of smallholders. The research will be
based on examples from Malawi, but will aim to produce results that can
be generalised to other developing countries. A PhD student is being
trained under this project.
This is a two year project (2011 to 2013) and is funded by Climate and
Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The importance of looking at the bigger picture.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
More funding for scholarships to train more Malawians (more so
women) in the field of climate change.
19 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
The Open University
in Scotland
Lead College Contact:
Dr Lore Gallastegi
Contact Information:
[email protected]
The OU and its Teacher Education in Sub Saharan Africa
(TESSA) programme have been involved in work in Malawi
since 2008. The core TESSA initiative provides a set of
resources for use in pre-service and in-service teacher
training for primary education across Sub-Saharan
Africa (see www.tessafrica.net). The resources can be
accessed online, saved to CD or printed for distribution.
They are freely available as Open Educational Resources.
In Malawi, the OU undertook a scoping and feasibility
study to identify barriers to women, particularly from rural
areas, entering teacher training and becoming teachers.
The study showed a key barrier to be low achievement at
MSCE, precluding entry to teacher training. The current
project was therefore designed to counter this situation,
focussing on teacher development and preparation, and
widening access to teacher education for women in rural
areas of Malawi.
Scotland Malawi Partnership Gender Equality discussion
20 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Malawi Access to Teaching Saltire
Scholarship (MATSS)
Lead Contact:
Dr Lore Gallasteg
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA)
Area of work:
Access to teacher training for women in rural areas
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
The MATSS project began in August 2010, developing a scholarship
programme to be offered to 1000 women from rural areas of 4 districts
in Malawi. The scholarship offers women supported study to resit
MSCE exams in 4 key subjects (English, Maths, Biology and Physical
Science) and at the same time a placement in a primary school to
provide “school experience” as a learning assistant, working alongside
a primary teacher.
The concept was developed through consultation with the Ministry of
Education (Departments of Basic Education and Teacher Development),
teacher training colleges including the Open and Distance Learning
programme, and a number of NGOs. FAWEMA (Forum for African
Women’s Education in Malawi) was selected as the project partner and
is the key implementing body. Two sets of self-study materials have
been collaboratively developed, both of which will be made available
as Open Educational Resources at the end of the project: firstly 25
MSCE revision units, with practice exam questions; secondly 20
School Experience Units focussing on children’s learning, the learning
environment and the role of the teacher. Scholars are supported by a
tutor (a practising secondary school teacher) for the MSCE work and by
a mentor for the School Experience. At the end of the year scholars are
supported to resit their MSCE exams, and to apply for teacher training.
The objectives are to increase the number of women from rural areas
eligible to enter teacher training, to prepare women for the teaching
profession, and to promote positive role models of women in education
and in general in the development of rural communities.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Experience with working with practicing primary and secondary
teachers supporting women to take a second opportunity to pass
MSCE and achieve entry to teacher training colleges.
OU’s experience of developing teachers in Sub Saharan Africa using
Open Educational Resources and peer support.
The project model of simultaneous supported MSCE revision and a
supported placement in a primary school.
Two sets of resources will be made available as Open Educational
Resources: 25 MSCE revision units, with practice exam questions;
secondly 20 School Experience Units focussing on children’s learning,
the learning environment and the role of the teacher.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Further links with teacher education colleges in Malawi to continue the
experience of active learning instilled in the Scholars in the MATSS
programme and embed active learning and teaching in their training
programmes.
Wider adoption and promotion of distance learning and supported
self-study modes of teacher preparation and teacher education. Direct
links with providers of teacher training by distance.
Open University’s ‘Malawi Access to Teaching Saltire
Scholarship’ Scholars
21 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University of
Dundee
Lead College Contact:
Dr Jon Dowell
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Apart from the Medicine in Malawi Programme (see
below) the University does not appear to have established
formal partnerships with Malawi. The Geography
department have been involved with research studies
some of which have included Malawi. There have also
been other health links principally between NHS Tayside
staff some of whom also teach for the University.
Medicine in Malawi Programme (MIMP) now
evolving into Responsible Electives (RE)
Lead Contact:
Dr Jon Dowell
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Initially Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe and latterly Nkhoma
Hospital; and College of Medicine, Blantyre)
Area of work:
Medical Student Education
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Many UK medical students visit developing countries during their
‘electives.’ However, educational objectives are often ill defined and
students rarely seem to contribute meaningfully to patient care, and
may even drain scarce local resources.
This project was therefore established in 2008 to try and develop and
evaluate extended, more ethically based and educationally planned
electives for senior medical students at a partner site in Africa.
A partnership was established with Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH),
and College of Medicine, in Malawi.
Key elements included:
•Student preparation, including global health, and risk awareness
prior to departure
•Rolling programme of four month overseas attachments
• Fund raising by students prior to departure
•Debriefing on return
•Reciprocal six-week visits to Dundee by senior medical students
from Malawi.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Over four years, 22 Dundee students have completed four month
attachments at KCH; with ten on two month placements.
Ten Malawian students have visited the UK for six week electives.
Students report having gained academically and personally from the
programme particularly highlighting development of clinical and procedural
skills, assessing sick patients and seeing unfamiliar conditions. They also
raised a significant sum of money to support projects in Malawi.
However, there have been a significant number of challenges. These
include:
•guaranteeing adequate supervision while on placement
•identifying areas for funding support in host unit
•managing challenges posed by risks in host country
•identifying ‘ideal’ length of elective both educationally and practically
•developing appropriate preparation resources (online and face to face)
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Though challenging, more responsible electives appear feasible. In
response to the challenges encountered, changes have been made to
the Malawi programme. The base has moved to Nkhoma Hospital has
also led to the development of ‘Responsible Electives’ a wider initiative
involving other medical schools in the UK. This will involve online and
face to face preparation of students and a wider choice of partner sites
where they can go for their electives.
22 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University
of Edinburgh
Lead College Contact:
International Office (Derek MacLeod)
Contact Information:
33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, 0131 650 1000
The University of Edinburgh have been active in Malawi
for a number of years in fields as diverse as Health,
Education and Forest Mapping.
The University currently has three Global Academies (The
Global Development Academy, the Global Environment
and Society Academy and the Global Health Academy)
and these are aimed at tackling complex issues in a multidisciplinary manner, utilising our experience in over 25
different academic disciplines to improve quality of life for
people across the world. Each one of these Academies
interact with Malawi in different ways, as outlined below.
The University is also the home for the Centre of
African Studies (CAS) which will, in 2012, celebrate its
50th Anniversary. CAS was one of the original African
Studies Centres in the UK and acts as a focal point for
postgraduate teaching and supervision on Africa – across
all academic disciplines. CAS has maintained strong
links with Malawi since its inception and continues to
preserve those to this day, with many of its staff having
first-hand experience in the country.
Redd Horizon
Lead Contact:
Dr Iain Woodhouse
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
FRIM, Mzuni, Bunda College
Area of work:
Forest mapping
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Capacity building and training with staff from the universities and FRIM.
Training and collaboration covers technical skills in GIS and remote sensing,
as well as project management, leadership, and team working.
Community supported projects in tree planting.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Methods of training in “soft” skills and coaching. Greatly improves
engagement compared to traditional methods.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Continued training programmes. Collaboration on research projects.
Exchange of students and staff.
23 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Modelling Farmer’s decision making in response
to climate change
Lead Contact:
will be fed into an ‘agent based model’ being worked on by a third
MSc student in informatics, the objective being to try to predict likely
changes in land use in response to climate change.
Dr William Mackaness
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
None
Area of work:
Agriculture, forestry, climate change
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Two students from the University of Edinburgh will work in Malawi in
the month of June for three weeks, undertaking field interviews under
the guidance of LTSi, Edinburgh.
The goal is to gain an understanding of how Malawian farmers might
alter farming practice in response to changes in climate. This work
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Willing to share all of this research with whoever is interested. In its current
configuration the university hasn’t connect directly with organisations in
Malawi – as it is being overseen by LTSi who have many, many working
relationships with various Malawian government agencies.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Stronger connections with NGOs and organisations such as FIRM and
Chancellor College in order to coordinate further development of the
research, and in the gathering of field data.
e-Learning in Clinical Education
Lead Contact:
Prof David Dewhurst, CMVM
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Malawi College
Health Sciences
Area of work:
Using e-learning to transform clinical education in Malawi
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
This three year project (April 2010 – March 2013) aims to raise the
standard of clinical education in Malawi through enhancing the learning
environment for students, building capacity, skills and knowledge
amongst healthcare professional educators, and developing the ITC
capacity of those institutions delivering healthcare education. The
expectation is that the outcomes will lead to increased numbers of
trainee doctors, nurses and clinical officers in Malawi who are better
prepared for life-long learning. It extends the work of a previous
Scottish Government-funded project whose focus was medical
education and training. Two years on, this project has achieved a
number of notable successes, particularly in enhancing the experience
of nursing students at Kamuzu College of Nursing.
Achievements specific to this project
• Two capacity building workshops have been held at KCN, Malawi
(October 2011; April 2012) and two more are planned for October
2012 and April 2013. Approximately 20 nurse and clinical officer
educators from KCN and MCHS staff have been trained at each
workshop in the skills to develop new digital content. This has
resulted in >100 locally-developed resources.
• IT staff professional development
o UoE Computing Officer visit to KCN in December 2010
o Online support for project via Skype
o Visit of senior KCN IT Manager to Edinburgh September 2011
•Infrastructure 80 PCs (60 KCN; 20 MCHS) high-spec server KCN,
lower spec server MCHS – delivered and implemented December
2010.
•A Curriculum Management System (VLE) has been developed for
KCN and populated with course materials. Students now have
access to >400 digital resources developed at UoE.
•Staff development workshops covering topics such as PBL,
assessment, effective use of digital resources and writing good
multiple-choice questions have been run at CoM and KCN.
•Postgraduate Surgical training – Two surgical trainees from the CoM
were enrolled in September 2010 on three year PT MSc Surgical
Sciences (by distance education) at the University of Edinburgh. Two
more trainees enrolled September 2011. Scholarships for two more
to join in September 2012 have been provided.
Edinburgh staff involved:
1. Prof. David Dewhurst, CMVM
2. Prof. Neil Turner (Renal Medicine)
3. Dr. Helen Cameron (Medical Education)
4. Prof. Pam Smith (Nursing)
5. Dr. Liz Grant (Community Medicine)
6. Ross Ward & Jo Spiller (Learning Technology)
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
All
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Expend the work to focus on clinical officer education by working with
MCHS
24 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Lifelong Learning in Medical Education
Lead Contact:
Prof. David Dewhurst
Contact Details:
0131 651 1564; [email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Malawi College of
Health Sciences
Area of work:
Using e-learning to transform medical education in Malawi
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
This three year project (Scottish Government International
Development Fund (£397,643) ran from November 2008 to May 2011
and concerned use of e-learning to build capacity for medical and
healthcare professional education in Malawi. It responded to a need
to train and retain more doctors, nurses and clinical officers to meet a
critical shortage of health care workers.
The project build on Edinburgh’s expertise in e-learning and medical
education and there has been significant north-south transfer of
knowledge, skills and technology. At the end of the project all three
Malawian institutions have benefitted.
Achievements
•Capacity building CoM, KCN and MCHS
Approximately 109 staff from medicine (~43), nursing (~46)
and health sciences (~20) have participated in formal training
workshops over the course of this project. A small number
(approximately 20) have been through specially designed advanced
training workshops.
Additionally the project has trained about another 80 staff through
internally organised staff development workshops (KCN) and oneto-one training sessions in Malawi carried out by Edinburgh staff
working there for prolonged placements (CoM).
•Creation of digital resources linked to CMS
To date there are >400 digital resources for UoE, and approximately
80 resources have been created locally.
•Curriculum development
New Y3 curriculum launched in January 2011. New Y4 curriculum
developed and to be launched in 2012.
Staff professional development in topics such as PBL, assessment
and standard setting; writing effective multiple choice questions,
using a VLE to support medical education, professionalism.
•CMS development
Existing CMS has been modified for clinical years of UG medicine.
New CMS built for KCN.CPD recording system development.
System, piloted in CoM and staff training completed. Now adopted by
Malawi Medical Council and in process of being rolled out more widely.
Edinburgh CMVM staff involved:
1. Prof. David Dewhurst
2. Prof. Neil Turner
3. Dr. Helen Cameron
4. Dr. Moffat Nyirenda
5. Ross Ward
6. Jo Spiller
7. Lynne Robertson
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
All
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Partnership was further developed with a further grant from the
Scottish Gov in 2010
Using e-learning to build capacity for healthcare
professional education in Malawi (2006-2008)
Lead Contact:
The resources were designed by Malawi-based teachers responsible for
delivery of teaching in all three Colleges.
Contact Details:
Collaborative development was viewed as essential in ensuring that the
resources developed were ‘owned’ by the creators and therefore more
likely to be used, and that they were culturally aligned to the Malawian
healthcare context.
Prof. David Dewhurst
0131 651 1564; [email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
College of Medicine (CoM), Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) and
Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS)
Area of work:
Training medical and healthcare professional tutors to develop
interactive digital resources
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Responding to a critical shortage of doctors, nurses and clinical officers
in Malawi, the Ministry of Health requested the College of Medicine,
College of Health Sciences and the Colleges of Nurseing to rapidly scale
up student numbers. This project (Scottish Governement International
Development Fund (£176,000) promoted the collaborative development
of innovative technology-based teaching and learning resources able to
be delivered in a variety of modes.
The project has been delivered through a series of activities:
•Capacity building ‘Training the Trainers’ workshops in digital content
creation
Three workshops were held in College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
(April 2007; April 2008; October 2008) and attended by about 60
educators from all three partner colleges. The emphasis was
on transferring knowledge and skills to enable e-content (virtual
patients) creation.
There was also a one-day workshop for College Deans, Directors of
Education and Heads of Clinical Departments to promote the project
and try to ensure sustainability.
The project was supported by a specially developed website which
enabled the workshop participants to communicate with each other
25 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
and gave personalised access to the virtual patients as they were being
developed so that individuals could suggest changes through an online
discussion forum. About 40 VPs were developed.
•Development of an online IT system to recod CPD activity of doctors.
This enabled doctors registered with the College of Medicine, Blantyre to
record their CPD activity. The pilot was demonstrated at the Workshop
in October 2008 and subsequently modified in response to feedback
from Malawian stakeholders.
Edinburgh CMVM staff involved:
Prof. David Dewhurst
Rachel Ellaway
Stewart Cromar
Michael Begg
Forwards. Together.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
All
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
The partnership has been developed through two further grants from
the Scottish Government (see above).
26 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University of
Glasgow
Lead College Contact:
Miss Helen Templar, International Officer for the Middle East & Africa
Contact Information:
[email protected] / Tel: 0141 330 7010
The University of Glasgow manages its collaborations
with African and South Asian partners through the
Glasgow Centre for International Development (GCID)
and through its International Deans for Africa and South
Asia. GCID co-ordinates the University of Glasgow’s
research efforts across all four Colleges and involves
over 90 researchers who are actively working with
research partners in Africa and Asia, mainly in the fields
of human and animal health, environmental change and
management, education and lifelong learning, renewable
energy, and economic growth. Currently, the university
has nine active collaborations with partners in Malawi,
details for which are available below.
MSc Library and Information Science
(in-country delivery)
Lead Contact:
Mr Alistair Tough
Contact Details:
0141 330 2992 / [email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Chancellor College – University of Malawi
Area of work:
Archival management
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Dickson Vuwa Phiri and Alistair Tough are in the process of submitting
bids for start-up funding to suitable bodies. The degree should be selffinancing after a couple of years but the first year will be challenging
as there will be exceptional start-up expenditure and only fee income
from a single cohort (there will be two cohorts in subsequent years).
A great deal of effort has gone into planning and preparing for the
Master of Library and Information Science degree but it is unlikely
to come to fruition if funding from the Ministry of Finance has to be
relied upon. Unfortunately, an earlier application for funding from the
Norwegian Aid budget failed.
27 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Lead Contact:
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Mr Alistair Tough
Contact Details:
0141 330 2992 / [email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
National Archives of Malawi
Area of work:
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships: an application has recently
been submitted. The objective will be to bring members of staff from
the National Archives of Malawi and National Archives of Zambia to
Glasgow for 3 months to work on the challenges of records appraisal,
especially in a digital / hybrid environment. Two previous applications
have been successful, both in being accepted and in delivering the
anticipated outputs. Strong chance of success in this instance.
Archival management
Automation of Title Deed Map Production
(in-country course delivery)
Lead Contact:
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Dr Jane Drummond
Contact Details:
[email protected] /0141 330 4208
Project Partner in Malawi:
Malawi Dept of Survey & Mapping, Lilongwe
Area of work:
Surveying
From 22 April - 4 June, a course on the automation of Title Deed
Map production will be prepared and provided to staff of the Malawi
Department of Survey and Mapping, Lilongwe, Malawi. These title deed
documents have been prepared by hand in Malawi, in the past, but
there is the facility, now, to have these prepared automatically, using
GIS. This was the topic of Mr Moyo’s MSc dissertation. His dissertation
also included procedures for transforming GPS observations to
the Malawi national grid - a requirement for the automation of Title
Deed Map production. Dr Drummond and Mr Moyo and are jointly
organising and running this course.
Scoping exercise – joint research opportunities
Lead Contact:
Area of work:
Contact Details:
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Dr Jane Drummond
Surveying
[email protected] /0141 330 4208
Project Partner in Malawi:
University of Malawi, Dept of Surveying
From 7-11 May Dr Drummond will be visiting the Department of
Surveying at UNIMA at its Blantyre Campus (The Polytechnic) to discuss
research opportunities with surveying/geomatics academics there.
Knowledge sharing
Lead Contact:
Mr Garfield Tait
Contact Details:
[email protected] /0141 330 6655
Project Partner in Malawi:
Malawi Dept of Survey & Mapping, Lilongwe
Area of work:
Surveying
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
From June 4-8, IT technician, Mr Garfield Tait, will also visit the Malawi
Department of Survey and Mapping, Lilongwe, Malawi. Modern land
registries (the Malawi Department of Survey and Mapping, Lilongwe,
Malawi provides this service) now provide on-line nationwide access to
land register information. This is not yet possible in Malawi because of
a lack of the relevant technical expertise in their Department of Survey
and Mapping. Mr Tait will provide some of this expertise and training,
at least ensuring the GIS workstations belonging to the department
can share the same data sources, across the internet.
28 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Student Volunteers Abroad – Malawi
Lead Contact:
children. In 2012 we are looking to begin working with a local charity
which provides support to disabled children.
Contact Details:
The Nancholi project was piloted in 2011. This project involves two
coordinators and six volunteers. Working with a CBO in the area,
Nancholi Youth Organisation (NAYO), the project focuses on youth work
and health education. SVA teach in three schools two primary level and
one secondary level. In 2011, working with NAYO, we established a local
youth group which we would seek to continue working with and expand
our partnership. We also take part in NAYOs Home Based Care scheme
assisting those suffering for HIV and AIDS as well as the elderly and other
people suffering from illness. We also tutor in a young offender’s institute.
The 2011 project funded the construction of a Health Clinic in a nearby
village and future projects would seek to aid and expand the services the
clinic can provide.
Mr Colin Reilly
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
AYISE & NAYO
Area of work:
Various – education / health awareness
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Student Volunteers Abroad (SVA) has a student run organisation
based in Glasgow University which has been running for 15 years.
SVA currently has two projects in Malawi - SVA Malawi Bangwe and
SVA Malawi Nancholi. Both projects operate in the Southern region of
Malawi, near Blantyre.
The Bangwe project has been running for sevem years, it involves two
coordinators and 12 volunteers. We work with a local NGO Active Youth
Initiative for Social Enhancement (AYISE). Volunteers teach in three
primary schools and three orphanages, are involved in youth sports
programs, work with two womens groups regarding issues of gender
inequality and work with local HIV and AIDS awareness groups, assisting
in testing and promoting awareness. We also tutor in a home for street
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
In 2012, SVA are looking to establish a malaria prevention and
awareness scheme. The nature of the projects is such that, depending
on the amount of fundraised money and the needs of the communities
at the time of the project, there is the opportunity to fund various
construction projects year to year, as well as providing organizations
with IGAs and other donations.
SKIP Glasgow
(Students for Kids International Projects)
Lead Contact:
The project is specifically aimed at improving the children’s quality of
life and to promote health within the local community.
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Mr Nathan Doull/Mr David Burgess
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Chikondo & Mphatso Orphan Care Centre, Area 25, Lilongwe
Area of work:
Healthcare and Education.
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Since 2005, SKIP have been working with an orphan care centre in
Lilongwe to improve the lives of children in the area. The project has
set up health interventions, an educational programme of sexual health
topics, hand washing training, and a dental hygiene programme. SKIP
have also helped to fund improvements to the centre and its buildings.
The experience of setting up a project and how to evaluate its aims and
objectives. After 2012 SKIP could also provide advice on withdrawing
from a project, leaving a lasting impact. General advice on projects
involving children and young adults.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
SKIP are currently withdrawing and looking to start up a new project
elsewhere in Malawi. They are undertaking a needs assessment in
Malawi in the summer of 2012.
29 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Research links
Lead Contact:
Contact Details:
Accepted Mr Paxton Zozie for PhD under supervision at Glasgow;
starting late 2012. Integrating E-Learning Technologies into
Conventional Teaching and Learning in the School and Higher
Education:
Project Partner in Malawi:
Accepted a paper from Paxton Zozie on transitions in education in
Malawi; to be published in 2013
Area of work:
Other –
Submitted proposal to Scottish Government for e-university project
on teacher education in Malawi (£400,000, not funded)
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Regular correspondence with Bishop Martin Mtumbuka at Catholic
University of Malawi (Cunima).
Professor Vic Lally
[email protected]
Mzuzu University
Educational technologies for e-learning
Hosted Paxton Zozie, Deputy Director of the Centre for Open and
Distance Learning, from Mzuzu University, as a research fellow in the
school of education for four months in 2010, engaging in joint research
and development.
Environmental management and
agricultural development
Lead Contact:
Professor John Briggs
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Bunda College, University of Malawi
Area of work:
Environmental management and small-scale agricultural development
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Dr Boyson Moyo from Bunda College is the lead Malawi partner in this
project. The work, which has led to a successful PhD thesis and jointly
authored research papers in peer-reviewed international journals,
focuses on how small-scale farmers in Malawi manage and use their
natural resource base, mainly water and soils, in a sustainable manner,
and how pressures on that resource base are dealt with.
Other:
Ph.D. students: There are two Malawians in HATII (Humanities
Advanced Technology & Information Institute) at present. One is
Mathews Phiri a senior academic from Mzuzu University who is in the
first year of his work. Mr Mathews Joseph Phiri (m.phiri.1@research.
gla.ac.uk. )
The other is Paul Lihoma, Deputy Director Culture in the Ministry of
Wildlife, Tourism and Culture, who is close to completion.
Currently being advertised – School of Geographical and Earth
Sciences and Glasgow Centre for International Development
– A Scottish Government-ESRC joint PhD studentship starting
in September 2012 entitled: Networking and scaling-up:
the effectiveness of societal mobilisation approaches within
international development policies – Malawi and Scotland.
www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_228956_en.pdf
University of Glasgow Malawi links
30 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University
of the Highlands
and Islands
Lead College Contact:
Ms Linda Stewart
Contact Information:
Head of European Development, University of the Highlands & Islands,
Executive Office, Ness Walk, INVERNESS IV3 5SQ
The University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI) provides
access to undergraduate and postgraduate study and
research opportunities through a distinctive partnership
of 13 colleges and research institutions across the
Highlands & Islands of Scotland. As Scotland’s newest
university, UHI are keen to become more involved in
the Scotland Malawi Partnership. In recent years, UHI
have followed the progress made by SMP in supporting
this national, strategic initiative, but have had limited
capacity for direct involvement.
In 2007, UHI supported Evelyn Campbell (Inverness
College) through a sabbatical in Malawi (details below)
which established excellent links. UHI are hoping to
develop further contact from this initiative and use
Evelyn’s expertise.
UHI’s experience of higher education delivery across
a large, dispersed and rural area may add value to
Scotland-Malawi projects. In particular, UHI’s expertise
in online and blended learning, using a range of different
pedagogic models to overcome geographical and social
barriers will be relevant – as well as the progression
routes used in UHI from FE to HE.
UHI works closely with local authorities across the area,
many of whom have well-developed school links with
Malawi. UHI hope to support these in future endeavours.
31 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Sabbatical study
Lead Contact:
Ms Evelyn Campbell
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
•Malawi University, College of Medicine
•Lilongwe, Ekwendeni Hospital
•Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) in Nsanje district
Area of work:
•Health Improvement and the New Public Health
•Global public health – the wider global picture and more specifically
with students who have ambitions to work overseas with Non
Government Organisations (NGOs).
• The investigation of multiple determinants of health affecting the
people of Malawi and of local, national and international initiatives
designed to improve the health and well-being of the citizens of
Malawi would provide a specific case study for inclusion in teaching
materials.
• Rural issues – particularly relevant as a high percentage of the
population live in rural areas
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Evelyn was in Malawi from Sept – Dec 2007 and her work included:
•A period of desk research prior to the visit to establish current
international health improvement strategies and policies currently in
operation to improve life circumstances and hence morbidity and
mortality in Malawi.
•Interviews with British based government and NGOs to establish the
aims, objectives, methodologies and projected impact of their work
in Malawi
•Four weeks based in the University of Malawi, College of Medicine,
Community Health Department which delivers a Masters in Public
Health, researching:
-epidemiological statistics illustrating the main health problems in
different areas
-multiple causes of disease and problems impacting on health
-information about local, national, and international strategies and
policies designed to improve health
•Four weeks based at Ekwendeni Hospital, a teaching hospital in
a rural area of Malawi. This time will be used to gain first hand
experience of the main determinants of health impacting on
people living in a low income country. It will allow the opportunity
to complete some qualitative research on local perceptions of
health and the factors that the people themselves feel impact on
their health.
•Academic discussion with staff who teach public health and
professionally practice as public health practitioners within Malawi.
•Insight into the main preventative measures used to reduce morbidity
and mortality.
•Lecturing at the CHAM (Christian Health Association of Malawi),
which ran the nursing college and teaching hospital – provided a
report back to the (then) Scottish Executive.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Anything from the above which may be of interest to others, but
particularly:
•Health structures and problems in remote parts of Malawi
•Staff development on teaching styles, the role of students and active
learning.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
By taking an active role in future initiatives.
Malawi College of Medicine
32 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University
of St Andrews
Lead College Contact:
Professor Simon Guild
Contact Information:
Vice-Dean Medicine, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews,
St Andrews KY16 9TF
St Andrews is collaborating with College of Medicine
(COM) Blantyre to assist the College with a major review
of the undergraduate medical curriculum. The changes
are driven by the need to modernize the curriculum
content and its delivery, and significantly increase the
number of medical students in training. St Andrews has
recently undergone its own major curriculum review and
redesign for similar reasons and so is able to offer advice
based on its own relevant experience.
The COM implemented a new, spiral curriculum in
January 2009. The content is organised in integrated
modules in which the clinical context of basic medical
science is established from the beginning. The first
turn of the curriculum spiral lays the foundation for a
systems-based approach for the remainder of the first
two years. The content of the systems-based modules
is presented in a recognized cycle of normal structure,
followed by normal function, abnormal function and
finally by treatment. Assessments are based on published
learning outcomes linked to all learning activities.
The above project went hand-in-hand with an IT
support aspect where the two medical schools worked
on the design and delivery of a new online curriculum
management system (CMS) at the COM to support all
its undergraduate degree course and not just medicine.
This system provides the students with a personalised
timetable and access online to all relevant teaching
materials including learning outcomes, presentations
and handouts. This one-stop shop allows the students
to access materials and information when and where
they want. It also encourages a standardised provision
of support materials and encourages a consistent
engagement of staff in delivery of support material.
The CMS greatly improves the quality assurance
of course delivery and content and is a very useful
administrative tool for managing the undergraduate
degree programmes.
33 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Enhancing Healthcare training
Lead Contact:
Professor Simon Guild.
Contact Details:
Vice-Dean Medicine
School of Medicine
University of St Andrews
St Andrews, KY16 9TF
Project Partner in Malawi:
College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
Area of work:
Curriculum and IT support
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Our 20 years’ partnership started with medical students from
Malawi being trained in St Andrews and has recently resulted in
a Memorandum of Understanding and a substantial grant from
the Scottish Government International Development Fund (MO1).
This grant permitted St Andrews to work with the COM on a major
review and subsequent implementation of a modern undergraduate
medical curriculum and administrative procedures at the COM. The
two medical schools worked in partnership to develop and deliver a
new online curriculum management system (CMS) which supports
all five years of the undergraduate medical degree course (MBBS). In
addition, St Andrews facilitated the development of an online student
record system and updated procedures for managing a medical degree
programme. Finally, St Andrews has helped Library and Information
Services at the COM to update their resources to meet the needs of
the new medical curriculum.
The success of that project has inspired the COM to invite the St
Andrews team to assist with a review of the curricula of their allied
health sciences programmes and a new B.Sc. Honours programme in
Biomedical Sciences, as well as the basic sciences component of the
Clinical Officer training.
The COM has recognised that in order to support its expansion there
will need to be an increase in information technology (IT) infrastructure
and a review of current information communication technology (ICT)
procedures and policies, and have therefore requested the St Andrews
team’s assistance in the development of new facilities in Lilongwe.
This proposal would allow the COM to consolidate the educational
reforms at the COM and extend them to the education and training of
allied health professionals including Clinical Officers, thus establishing
the sustainable development of healthcare provision in Malawi.
The new B.Sc. Honours programme will allow the training of research
scientists and provide an opportunity for Medical students to intercalate
this research component within their MBBS.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The School of Medicine now has over four years of experience of
building a successful partnership with a Malawian Higher Education
institution and helping that institution effect real and rapid change to
its educational provision. The School of Medicine has experience of
helping the College of Medicine (COM) fulfil its central role, given to
it by the government of Malawi, in the training of doctors and allied
health professionals, including clinical officers, and to enhance the
numbers and future performance of these crucial groups of health care
professionals.
The School of Medicine has experience and expertise in curriculum
design, delivery and assessment that meets the need of the Malawian
medical curriculum. They also have experience in scoping and
performing needs analyses of the Malawian healthcare system and the
skills and knowledge base of the professionals it needs and expects.
The Medical School have experience and expertise in designing and
delivering major IT and Learning Technology projects in a Malawian
institution and establishing the training and skills base needed to deliver
these IT and LT needs to support radical and rapid curriculum reform.
Part of this was also the need to introduce new electronic student record
systems, examination recording and reporting systems and to facilitate
use of online library resources by staff and students alike.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
This proposal is part of a process designed to empower and build
capability in the Colleges of Medicine and Health Sciences to allow
them to fulfil their central role in the education and training of larger
numbers of effective doctors and allied healthcare professionals.
The project will enable the Colleges to:
(a)independently plan, manage and quality assure curricular review
and development projects, including the support of the online
delivery and management of their curricula
(b)introduce new degree programmes
(c)extend the work on the medical programme to the allied health
sciences programmes and Clinical Officers, so improving the
curriculum delivery and assessment of their programmes
(d)implement curriculum and staff development plans at the COHS
(e)develop IT resources for the CoM’s Lilongwe campus by
developing a student computer lab and improving connectivity
between the Blantyre Campus and Lilongwe Campus
(f) develop capacity and expertise within the ICT team which is
transferable across the campuses
(g engage students and staff in the use of IT in curricula and medical
practice
(h)become centres of excellence for curricular review and delivery
and the use of information and learning technology.
St Andrews University and College of Medicine links
34 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University
of Stirling
Lead College Contact:
Dr Michael Marten
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Within the Religion Department, Stirling’s primary
engagement comes through hosting a Malawian scholar
– Chimwemwe Katumbi – and having a PhD student who
has been an SMP scholar – Shani Zour.
Bringing a Malawi scholar to Stirling
to my department
Lead Contact:
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Mr Chimwemwe Katumbi
-
Project Partner in Malawi:
Chancellor College
see above
Experience of being the host for a Malawi scholar.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Area of work:
Religion
No current plans
SMP Higher Education Fellowship
Lead Contact:
Dr. Michael Marten
Contact Details:
Shani Zour, [email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Dr. Dixie Maluwa Banda
Area of work:
Associate Professor of Education and Psychology
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Teaching and lecturing at the department, and developing research
opportunities. The aim and objective were (and still is) to make sure former
students can develop their research interests and apply for HE funding.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Academic collaboration with PGs from Malawi in the field of social
sciences: Religion, Anthropology, Postcolonial Theory, HIV and AIDS.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Establish an academic research partnership between the department
in Stirling and Chancellor Collage by continuing the collaboration of
Ms. Zour. Promoting the capacity building of female academics from
both Scotland and Malawi will enhance the SMP’s important work,
and reinforce future links between the countries. Hopes of creating a
student exchange program between Stirling and Chancellor College.
35 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University
of Strathclyde
Lead College Contact:
Mr. Norman Wagstaffe
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Tel:
+44 141 548 3550
Mob:
+44 78158789676
Skype:craa28
The Curran Building, 100 Cathedral St., Glasgow G4 0LN
Strathclyde’s work is founded on Malawi’s historical links
with Scotland and in particular through the explorer and
missionary David Livingstone who studied at Strathclyde
University in the 1830s.
The main aims of the Malawi Millennium Project - based
on self-help and sustainability - are to assist in educating
the personnel necessary to train future generations of
Malawian teachers, nurses, scientists, technicians and
engineers to deal with some of the health and education
problems in Malawi. The Project is a collaborative
venture between the University of Strathclyde and the
University of Malawi, with which Strathclyde has had
academic links going back to the late 1980s.
The Project initiated a campaign to formalise links
between Scotland and Malawi which led to a Cooperation Agreement between the two countries in 2005.
Signed by Scotland’s First Minister and the President of
Malawi, the Agreement allows increased collaboration in
the areas of Civic Governance and Society, Sustainable
Economic Development, Health and Education.
The Agreement was signed when the President of
Malawi visited the Scottish Parliament to attend a
major conference organised by the Scotland Malawi
Partnership, set up in 2005 to provide a networking
forum for individuals and organisations in Scotland with
an interest in supporting Malawi. The Malawi Millennium
Project is a founding member of the Partnership.
The Malawi Millennium Project has enjoyed widespread
support inside and out with the Strathclyde community.
Many University staff, students and alumni donate time
and effort to the Project by lending their expertise and
organising fundraising events.
The Project is proud of its record of careful financial
management. Every penny counts and a network of
contacts in Malawi allow the Project to target the money
directly to those in need.
36 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
“making wonders”
Lead Contact:
Mr Norman Wagstaffe
Contact Details:
Email: [email protected]
Tel:
+44 141 548 2550
Mob:
+44 78158789676
Skype:craa28
Address: The Curran Building, 100 Cathedral St., Glasgow G4 0LN
Project Partner in Malawi:
Montfort Special Needs Education College
Nguludi, Malawi
Director (Education Centre for the Blind):
Mr Hastings Magombo
Email: [email protected]
Mob:
+265999419664
Skype: hastings.magombo
Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST)
Mr. David Njaidi, Deputy Director (Special Needs Education)
Email: [email protected]
Mob:
+265888329061
Area of work:
Montfort College trains teachers who specialise in educating learners
with special needs: blind and low vision, hearing impaired, physical
disability and learning difficulties.
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
“making wonders” has been working with Montfort College since
2005. The mission statement is “To enhance the education of the
blind and visually impaired in Malawi”. This is achieved by supplying
appropriate assistive technologies and the training required to enable
it to be used effectively. Core to this project is a “train the trainers”
approach – teacher trainers at Montfort College are trained to develop
training materials and deliver training to teacher of the blind who in
turn train learners to use the equipment.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Plan for change – particularly when people are a key part of a project.
Do not assume that the people who are involved in a project at the
outset will be available for the full duration of the project.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
The “making wonders” project will develop electronic resources that
will be made available to visually impaired learners over the internet
– all of the schools in the programme are connected to the internet
using 3G dongles.
In the near future a focus will be placed on developing a teaching
methodology that will enable blind learners to develop typing skills
over a very short period.
Scotland Chikhwawa Health Initiative
Lead Contact:
Dr Tracy Morse
Contact Details:
[email protected]
+265 (0) 999945 779
PO Box 30376
Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
at the UNIMA Polytechnic through the support and integration
of Malawian academic staff into projects for research purposes.
Academics are involved from a range of departments to maximise the
expertise available to the project. These include environmental health,
mathematics and statistics, media and communication, physics and
biochemical sciences, and engineering.
Project Partner in Malawi:
SCHI has also integrated with other UoS programmes such as CRED
to provide a platform for PV systems to be supplied within rural
communities and monitored therein.
Area of work:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
University of Malawi – Polytechnic
Chikhwawa District Hospital
Health
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
UoS have been working in the area of preventive and reproductive
health with the UNIMA Polytechnic and Chikhwawa District Health
Office since 1997. Programmes have looked at the research,
development, implementation and evaluation of preventative health
programmes within rural communities in Chikhwawa District. Particular
focus has been on water, sanitation, hygiene, communicable disease
control, access to health services and reproductive health.
With SG IDF funding since 2006, the SCHI has engaged with over
150 communities (ppn over 100, 000) in five traditional authorities in
the district. With some focus on capital investment to provide health
services, the focus of the programmes has been to increase awareness
in communities on effective health practices and the positive impacts of
these. All work is conducted and implemented directly with Chikhwawa
DHO staff to ensure the programme is working within current Government
of Malawi frameworks and increase the chance of sustainability and
expansion of the programme to other areas of the district.
At all times the project seeks to learn from other programmes within
Malawi and has developed working relationships with other NGOs in
the country to share good practice and experiences.
In addition to the community impact and development the programme
has also sought to develop and build capacity in higher education
The building of strong relationships with partners in Malawi cannot
be underestimated and their advice in the development and
implementation of effective programmes is essential.
Developing programmes within the country requires the partner to be
fully on board and as such emphasis should not be placed on what
the Scottish partner wishes to do but what the identified needs of the
partner are. Without this the partner organisation is likely to prioritise the
project in their work which can be a source of frustration on both sides.
Understanding the sociological aspects of communities and groups
in which you are going to work is essential before beginning the
programme if effective impact is to be achieved.
SCHI has over a decade, of experience which the team can share,
of working with communities and partners in academia, non
governmental organisations, government and civil society.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
SCHI will continue to develop community based programmes which
will allow rural populations to increase healthy settings through
integrated programmes with the district health office. Nevertheless,
the programme is also seeking to develop and improve health worker
training programmes with GoM and University of Malawi and to
address healthy setting issues in urban settings and peri-urban areas.
37 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Teaching the teachers
Lead Contact:
Sue Ellis
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Chancellor College
Area of work:
Teacher education
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Strathclyde is the lead university for this project, which involves the
universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paisley, Stirling
and Strathclyde in collaborating with Chancellor College, University of
Malawi. The project has supported the Chancellor College academics
to design and provide a two-year ‘top-up’ BEd (Primary) degree (the first
such course in Malawi).
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Mid-way evaluations indicate that the project is being highly
successful. The B.Ed (Primary) graduates return to their Teacher
Education College and report that they:
•are given more responsibility and respect;
•teach in more responsive, constructivist and knowledgeable ways;
•understand the primary curriculum content, learning and planning in
ways that enable them to take a more critical view of planning;
•have new skills in academic writing and presentation, enabling them
to participate in working parties, make funding bids for new projects
and design new staff developments
•are engaged and enthusiastic advocates for primary education –
many now want to do some local research or enroll in a Masters
programme (which Chancellor College is now designing).
•pre-project planning and preparation visits by academic staff;
The Scottish staff have gained, and would be willing to share,
experience of, and reflections on:
•working with academic researchers in Malawi.
•building and sustaining a team of interested academics in Scotland.
•Malawian curriculum delivery and educational reform
•working with Malawian teacher educators working in the teacher
education colleges across Malawi.
•the influences on curriculum development in Malawi.
•curriculum development and teaching support by academic staff from
Scotland through visits to work with colleagues in Chancellor College
in Malawi.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
The project began in 2007 and will finish in 2014. The degree was initially
aimed at teacher trainers and primary advisers and the funding covers:
•fees and some associated costs of five cohorts of 20 students over an
eight year period (it was originally a five year period, but re-negotiated
to eight years to assist Chancellor College in staffing the initiative).
Project outcomes:
•Providing the first degree level study of primary education in Malawi;
•Developing the capacity of teacher trainers and primary advisers in
Malawi in relation to recent and relevant primary education age and
subject approaches;
•Improving the supervision, mentoring and assessment of professional
competence in school placements;
•Contributing to the development of an evidence and inquiry based
approach to teaching and learning in primary schools through the use
of project based assessment;
•Developing the capacity of Chancellor College staff to provide initial
teacher education in Malawi and to become self-sustaining in the
delivery of primary teacher education;
There are two areas of work in which we are interested:
•We would like to work with the newly expanded Education Faculty to
consider new frameworks for research into curriculum development
and design. We believe that this could create the evidence base that
would allow policy implementation to be a process of learning.
•We would like to work with interested people across Malawi to establish
networks of Literacy Educators and of Mathematics Educators to
share the learning from the numerous intervention projects that have
been funded. Many projects are successful whilst funding lasts, but
die when it ends, or have only a local impact, where there could be a
much wider one across the country. There exists already in Malawi a
successful Early Education Network that publicizes early curriculum
and pre-school initiatives and ensures that issues are discussed by
professionals and volunteers across the country.
•Contributing to the development of a team of trainers and advisers
who can impact on initial training and CPD development for teachers
in primary schools and through teacher development centres;
•Contributing to the raising the quality of primary education in Malawi
Students for Malawi and STEKA Children’s Village
38 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
STEKA Children’s Village
Lead Contact:
advocacy work we will undertake. The advocacy work will target child
workers and prostitution and abuse of minors.
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Mr Ryan Cassidy
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Step Kids Awareness (STEKA)
Area of work:
Orphan care/Education/Advocacy
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Students from Strathclyde University have been working with STEKA
for around 18 months. They are currently trying to expand the project,
opening it up to more street children across Malawi, giving them more
chances at a better life. This year will see them construct a purpose
built centre where we run vocational training to street children, home
50 street children and run a preschool as well as being the heart of the
How to engage Malawians and build a strong volunteer group, through
effective communication and the difficulties when working with more
than one partner.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
STEKA have plans to construct a ‘village’ within the next five years.
This ‘village’ would simply be a place for street children to receive
food and shelter if they needed it. From here the children would have
the chance to take part in the wider STEKA programme and enrol in
the vocational training programme.
Students for Malawi Teaching Placements
Lead Contact:
Mr Ryan Cassidy
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Ministry of Education
Area of work:
Education
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
The project is still in its infancy but by the summer of 2013 Students
for Malawi will be taking a team of volunteers out to Malawi to work
in local schools. The placements will be on average 3 weeks long
and will be based around the exchange of knowledge between both
Malawians and Scottish volunteers, as well as a way for us to promote
the curriculum for excellence.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The challenges regarding bureaucracy within organisations both in the UK
and Malawi and sharing knowledge of working with Malawian ministries.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Promote this programme to teaching students across Scotland as well as
approaching existing teachers who might benefit from the programme.
Rehabilitation and Education in the Malawian
Criminal Justice System
Lead Contact:
Mr Ryan Cassidy
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
University of Malawi/Ministry of Interal Affairs
The programme is an extension to the Polytechnics outreach
programme and will be based on a programme that was run in
conjunction with Save the Children in Glasgow
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Area of work:
The project has encountered several bureaucratic issues, this time
between government, NGOs and both Strathclyde and UNIMA.
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Prisons/education
The project was established in September 2011 and will begin to take
shape in July 2012. The project itself will involved students from the
Malawi Polytechnic working in young offender institutes, providing
them will friendships and promoting the route to education.
The hope is to link both the Rehabilitation and the STEKA programme
to promote not only education but vocational training, building on the
work the Malawian students do and expanding into advocacy work as
well as the promotion of education.
39 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Move for Malawi/Tri for Malawi
Lead Contact:
sports facilities so that students can participate in their chosen activity
and sport and recreation can become an integral part of their lives.
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Mr Niall Sturrock , Head of Sport and Recreation
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
The project has just started this year and so it is at an early stage.
The Malawi Polytechnic
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Area of work:
Sports Facilities
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
With funds raised from the above events run in the Centre for Sport
and Recreation, Move for Malawi are trying to invest in improving the
While limited by available finance the project hopes that it can
contribute towards making a difference to the students and staff at
the Polytechnic.
Hockey Malawi
Lead Contact:
Mr Niall Sturrock, Head of Sport and Recreation
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Hockey Association of Malawi
Area of work:
Supporting the development of Hockey in Malawi
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
The University Men’s and Women’s Hockey Clubs have an annual
fund raising raffle at their Graduates and Club Awards Dinner . The
proceeds of the raffle are invested with the activities of Hockey
Association of Malawi (HAM) to help with the development of hockey
in Malawi. This partnership has been in place for around five years
now and has supported sending developments officers to continental
events and supplying coaching videos and equipment.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Most of this partnership is done remotely through transferring funds
directly to the association.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
It would be ideal if the partnership became an integral one for the
University clubs that allowed the athletes to contribute to projects like
the new national stadium and competition programme.
Malawi Renewable Energy Acceleration
Programme (Malawi REAP)
Lead Contact:
Professor Graham Ault, Professor of Electrical Power Systems
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
University of Malawi – The Polytechnic
Area of work:
Community and Renewable Energy
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Since 2008, Strathclyde has been working with academics at the
University of Malawi – The Polytechnic on renewable energy activities.
The first major project under this partnership was the Community
Rural Electrification and Development (CRED) programme funded
by the Scottish Government (2008-2011) where the two universities
jointly managed the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in six
trial villages in Southern Region and conducted research focused on
aspects of the socio-techno-economic performance of the installations.
Jointly the two universities bid for further Scottish Government funding
for a broader renewable and community energy programme MalawiREAP (2012-2014) which incorporates several additional partners,
renewable energy technologies and learning across a broader field of
topics (policy, community support, technology, etc.).
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The outcomes of the projects in renewable energy are available to
be shared. Some already are captured in reports and others reside
with the specific partners in the programme (all are still engaged with
this partnership at both partner universities). The main outcome areas
with value for sharing are technical advice on community renewable
energy, detailed knowledge of the Malawi energy sector and learning
from community driven energy programmes.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
Further academic, student and research exchange with both the
University of Malawi – The Polytechnic and Mzuzu University around
the renewable and community energy domain.
40 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Strathclyde International Development
Lead Contact:
Ben Wilson
Contact Details:
90 John Street
Project Partner in Malawi:
Marcel Chisi Foundation, Mabilabo, Mzimba
Area of work:
Community Sustainable Agriculture
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
Strathclyde International Development (SID) have have been working
with the community agriculture project, encouraging students from
the University of Strathclyde, with a business education to support
the processing of value added crops to increase rural incomes. The
objective is to increase awareness of sustainable agricultural practices
for improvements in nutrition and income in rural communities.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The project has recently been initiated by this newly formed
Strathclyde student group, and the analysis will be the subject of an
MSc dissertation during summer 2012.
MSc in Hydrogeology and Civil Engineering
Lead Contact:
Contact Details:
development in water resource management. Staff from the department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde
are supporting the development of an MSc programme in Hydrogeology
with visiting staff from University of Strathclyde as external examiners.
Project Partner in Malawi:
The objective is to support our partners in Malawi to fill the skills gap
identified for hydrogeological expertise in the government sector.
Professor Robert Kalin
[email protected]
Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology,
Polytechnic University of Malawi, Blantyre
Area of work:
Education in hydrogeology
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
The University of Malawi aims to increase the provision of postgraduate
education in the country, through the development of the MSc
programmes in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde. Civil
Engineering students from Strathclyde have worked with students from
the Polytechnic on a number of small research projects, allowing a build
up of knowledge over a few years. Staff from the Polytechnic have been
involved in joint supervision of these projects.
WASHTED has developed strong linkages with the government and
non-governmental sectors in Malawi to provide training and skills
Scottish MSc students have worked with the Malawian staff to gather
and interpret data for use in local training activities.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The challenges for academics and professionals in Malawi are
significant and progress has sometimes been constrained by the
political environment.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
The department hope to share learning materials and research
publications, supporting Malawian academics to develop local
capability for effective water resource management.
© University of Glasgow
41 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Malawi Millennium Project
Lead Contact:
University, and contributed to capital elements of the Scotland
Chikwawa Health Initiative not supported by the Scottish Government.
Contact Details:
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Mr Norman Wagstaffe
[email protected]
Project Partner in Malawi:
Various
Area of work:
Philanthropic support
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
The Malawian Millennium Project (MMP) has co-ordinated resources
through the University of Strathclyde for the support of Educational
and philanthropic projects. This includes the linkages with the
Polytechnic University and Kamuzu College of Nursing, where David
Livingstone Scholarships are awarded annually to the best students,
and financial support has contributed to the development of clinics and
accommodation. Smaller projects include support for orphanages,
maize mills, famine relief and flood defenses.
The MMP was initiated in 2000, based on existing strong relations
with individuals working in Malawi. It has supported the development
of university library services at the University of Malawi and Mzuzu
The project has recently been initiated by this newly formed
Strathclyde student group, and the analysis will be the subject of an
MSc dissertation during summer 2012.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
The MMP resources have been used effectively as multipliers, allowing
staff and students from Strathclyde to visit and engage with people
who are working there. Each of these relationships has spun off into
other activities, maintained independently of the MMP.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
The Project will continue to work with the University Donor Community
to identify further opportunities to integrate our experience in Malawi
with relevant academic and business communities.
© University of Glasgow
42 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
University of the
West of Scotland
Lead College Contact:
Ms Alison McLachlan
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Work: 01698 283100 Ext 8655
Mobile: 0781 3104 578
Development of a Multi-Professional Skills Lab
at Blantyre Malawi (M53)
Lead Contact:
Dr Mipando, Dean Undergraduate Medicine, College of Medicine,
Blantyre
Area of work:
Healthcare Education (Inter professional)
Brief description of Malawi engagement:
The goal of Project SM53 was to progress Project SM9 (2006-8)
which had established four Clinical Skills Labs at Kamuzu College of
Nursing (KCN) and Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) across
Lilongwe, Blantyre and Zomba Regions. Interest had been expressed
by the two Partner Institutions and the College of Medicine (COM) at
that time for a more intensive approach to clinical simulation training
and access to more advanced technology (Advanced Human Patient
Simulators (AHPS) in a multi-professional context.
The first grant cheque for Project M53 was largely allocated to
simulation equipment, which was shipped in late 2009 to the College
of Medicine and stored at Moya House, Queen Elizabeth Central
Hospital, Blantyre. In March 2010 a team from the University of
the West of Scotland travelled to Malawi, assembled, calibrated the
equipment, and delivered an intensive training programme at Moya
House attended by candidates from all three Partner Institutions.
Following this visit, the project was amended to include a ‘state of
the art’ AV system (Scotia Medical Observation & Training System
(SMOTS™)) to enhance the learning & teaching methods and to
provide support via a live video link to Scotland.
Communication with the three Partner Institutions (KCN, MCHS and
COM) continued throughout 2010/11 to plan completion of the multiprofessional skills lab and the final training programme. In May 2011,
Dr Mipando advised that the final location for the Skills Lab would
be in the new College of Medicine, which was internet, enabled and
represented the best possible location.
The final phase of the project was completed in August/September
2011 when access was given to the new building and Wi-Fi installed
to facilitate the audiovisual system. The project was planned in two
phases, week one dedicated to assembling the technology, procuring
furniture and operationalising the Skills Lab. Week two to deliver an
intensive clinical simulation programme using a ‘train the trainers’
approach with all three Partners.
A total of 50 multi-professional educationalists/clinicians completed
the training programme over April 10 and August 11 (approximately
60:40 Medicine: Nursing) The Skills Lab is furnished, equipped and
operational and the facility has been handed over to Dr Muula, Vice
Dean, at the College of Medicine. There are plans for a Clinical Lead
and Skills Technician and the University will give on-going support
through the audiovisual link once the building is fully completed and
internet enabled.
What key experiences, outcomes, resources or expertise
you would be happy to share with others interested in
this field?
Project M53 has now completed in respect of an operational facility
with a robust system of cascade training and has been a very
successful project. The development of a multi-professional skills lab
in Malawi, was an ambitious though very contemporary vision and the
completed facility is impressive.
Building Workforce capacity is a key component of the Scotland
Malawi Cooperation Agreement and in the context of the project,
this is focused in the main on increasing educational provision for
practitioners of healthcare. In particular, the project is aligned with
specific maternal and neonatal outcomes, training and curricula for
the Emergency Health Package (EHP), development of a national
Continuing Professional Development programme and enhancement
of curricula in all healthcare provision.
The project has met the major aims identified in the 2008 Grant
Application and the multi-professional Skills Lab enables contemporary
approaches to under/post-graduate education and professional
development that will be enhanced by continuing collaboration among
the three Partner Institutions.
The project was deliberately based centrally to optimise access for all
three Partner Institutions however, the main deciding factor was that
technology could be supported effectively at the College of Medicine.
43 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
This does not negate that a Skills Lab with this profile cannot be
developed in Lilongwe or at Kamuzu College of Nursing’s new
Blantyre Campus scheduled for completion in 2013. The advantage
of the current location is in the success of the Skills Lab with the level
of technology employed and how this acts as a model development
for the future. This does not negate approaches to ‘remote and rural’
training and indeed all equipment was deliberately procured to be
mobile and give maximum flexibility. Future decision making in Malawi
can be innovative to meet healthcare needs and be culturally sensitive.
The approach of the project was one of open access to the opportunity
for all healthcare practitioners irrespective of gender. Ultimately,
the attendance of female healthcare professionals was 42% and
predominantly nursing.
How would you like to develop your partnership in the
years to come?
The project team had a firm belief that the minimum standard
for resourcing healthcare education and preparation of students/
practitioners in Malawi was comparable to UK standards. The
School’s own experience of this approach was one of increased
motivation in Educationalists; improved evaluations from students
with both outcomes echoed by the Partner NHS Boards who reported
students were more skilled clinically and developed professional
behaviours more rapidly.
Inter-Professional Education is now a Global Standard for all
Healthcare Educationalists as it is known that where collaboration
increases between health professionals this does improve patient
outcomes and reduce adverse events through a better understanding
of other workers’ inputs and roles (World Health Organisation (2011)
Patient Safety Curriculum, Multi-Professional Edition). A key feature
for Educators is finding ways to make inter professional education
both engaging and clinically interesting whilst being relevant to the
future needs of the workplace. Characteristics known to contribute
to a quality inter-professional learning experience include where
learning is interactive, experiential, reflective and common across the
professions and where participants have the chance to compare and
contrast their roles.
Forwards. Together.
Project SM53 has met the requirements and standard of InterProfessional Learning through the technology employed and the
learning and teaching approaches chosen. The immediate plans are
to secure the live link to the College of Medicine and continue cascade
training/peer review until the facility is well established.
Additional Information
Leadership & Management Programme (August 2011)
In April 2010 a review of Ethel Mutharika Maternity Hospital and Bwalia
Maternity Hospital in Lilongwe was undertaken and a report submitted
to the Scottish Government International Department team. The visit
was focused on workforce planning, capacity and the equipment
itinerary particularly in the Ethel Mutharika Maternity Hospital which was
scheduled to open in May 10. Discussions with Matrons and Senior
Nurses revealed a great need for support and direction on leadership
and management. In the main, on site education was provided by
Evelyn Chilemba, Lecturer in Nursing at Kamuzu College of Nursing
(KCN) who had integrated the Practitioner Support Programme (Project
SM 10: 2006-8) into KCN CPD Portfolio. Because of this request, the
possibility was considered when planning the M53 project trip and it was
found to be entirely feasible to deliver a Leadership and Management
Programme and the Skills Lab development. Evelyn Chilemba organised
candidates, dates of delivery, accommodation and catering.
Evelyn was very helpful in outlining the type of support and direction that
the Matrons and Senior Nurses required to improve delivery of patient
care. In addition, Evelyn wished to discuss curriculum development
particularly blended learning and more contemporary approaches for
students. It was apparent that curriculum enhancement was required
which could be arranged in the future by delivering workshops through
SMOTS™ direct link to COM.
The Leadership and Management Programme was delivered by
Heather Simpson, Head of School and assisted by Alison McLachlan,
Curriculum Manager and located at Kamuzu College of Nursing,
Blantyre Campus. Attendance at the three day programme was
excellent with a total of 43 candidates from Central and District
Hospitals across Lilongwe and Blantyre. Candidates were Matrons or
Senior Nurses and representing a wide range of nursing and midwifery
clinical practice.
MOs working with Vital Sim
44 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Chapter Three:
Opportunities for Future Collaboration
The Way Forwards
Strengthening bilateral links in the HE and FE sector between
Scotland and Malawi has the potential to promote poverty
reduction, economic development and social transformation
in Malawi, and develop research capacities, curriculum
content, and teaching and learning experiences, for the
benefit of both nations.
Links in the HE and FE sector between Scotland and
Malawi are well-established. However, even with the longeststanding relationships it is important to critically reflect on
the successes, failures and lessons of the past in order to
strengthen existing partnerships, and develop new ones.
With this in mind, the SMP FE/HE Forum met in June 2012
to discuss the key drivers, organising principles and priority
areas for future collaborative working.
Partnership Drivers
In looking to build on past experience and promote good
practice, as well as to develop new partnerships, it is
important to examine the key partnership drivers that
motivate cooperation between Scotland and Malawi.
Discussions among forum participants reflected on the
unique “spirit of cooperation” between Scotland and Malawi
motivated by:
• Goodwill and an intangible commitment, based on
historic connections
• Mutual interest in the outcomes of partnership
• Developmental aspirations (strong knowledge-based
economy, jobs, research opportunities, etc)
The SMP has an entirely Malawi-owned and Malawiled sister organisation, the Malawi Scotland Partnership
(MaSP), which exists to bring together and add value
to Malawi’s many links with Scotland. In May 2012 the
Scottish Government awarded a three-year grant to support
the MaSP’s development as an essential coordinating hub
for Malawian organisations linked with Scotland, providing
advocacy, training and capacity-building. The MaSP has
great potential to offer coordination and collaboration,
bringing together, and giving a single voice to, the many
Malawian universities and colleges with links to Scotland.
Principles behind Successful
Partnerships
Investing in good partnership structures-with clear
parameters and mutual remits agreed from the start-serve
to sustain effective links. In light of international budgets
contracting, as well as national commitments to slim down
expenditure in both Scotland and Malawi, partnerships in the
sector need to innovate so as to best meet long-term aims
and objectives. In this context the forum felt that the most
successful FE/HE projects have been organised around the
principles of:
• ‘Realism’: building partnerships on a modest scale,
with realistic goals in mind.
• ‘Bilateralism’: partnerships built around the practices
of twinning or exchange.
• ‘Harmonisation’: rationalised and coordinated
approaches between institutions.
• ‘Networking’: aligning with other Malawian structures
(e.g. University councils) as well as maximising
connections through the SMP Forum and MaSP.
Priority Areas
All the following points have come from electronic input from
Malawi, a presentation from Dr Fidelis Edge Kanyongolo
(Senior Law Lecturer, University of Malawi), and/or
discussion among SMP FE and HE Forum members.
Dr Kanyongolo offered an overview of future priorities for HE
and FE in Malawi. He suggested it would be beneficial to
focus on:
i.Promoting governance systems that are accountable,
equitable, autonomous and transparent.
ii.Encouraging the harmonisation, rationalisation and
coordination of limited resources.
iii.Addressing the need for balance between increasing
access and improving quality.
Following Dr Kanyongolo’s presentation, forum participants
split into an HE and an FE sub-group, and reflected on
priorities outlined by Malawian colleagues in Chapter One.
45 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
The Higher Education sub-group suggested the following
priorities for future engagements:
• Governance and quality assurance were acknowledged
as key cross-cutting themes which should be focussed
on by HE institutions.
• Supporting research in Malawi was important, however,
it is very funding-reliant.
• It was suggested that a Council across all universities
to discuss good practice regarding funding and also
training could have a positive impact.
• Discussions on infrastructural priorities mainly focussed
on ICT, access to Internet and good bandwidth in
Malawi. ICT was identified as a key area for focus for
future engagements, potentially involving e-learning and
distance learning courses.
The Further Education sub-group suggested the following
priorities for future engagements:
• Maintaining good communication channels –
recognising MaSP and the FE/HE Council in Malawi
should enable this to happen better.
• Encouraging more student input to the Forum.
• Encouraging institutions to look into developing studentbased projects-building connections between Scottish
and Malawian students.
• Institutions exploring “resource-light” options when
designing partnership projects.
Stevenson College taking a session at Soche Techincal College
Forwards. Together.
Across both FE and HE institutions gender mainstreaming was
discussed as a priority area within further and higher education
partnerships. The key issues discussed included:
i. Access to FE/HE for female students and staff
ii.FE/HE institutional culture
iii.Governance and leadership opportunities
While free primary education in Malawi has gone some way
to closing up the gender gap between girls and boys enrolling
into primary school, high drop-out and repetition rates at high
school mean many girls and women in Malawi fail to finish
school with the necessary qualifications to go into tertiary
education. Low representation of women is carried into
faculty and university management positions. Addressing the
socio-cultural and economic obstacles restricting women’s
educational opportunities is an important step in ensuring that
women and men are fairly represented across student, faculty
and management spheres.
The SMP is committed to contributing towards the
advancement of gender equality across all Scotland-Malawi
links, including further and higher education partnerships.
Between September 2012 and summer 2013 the SMP
will be promoting its “Gender Matters” project. Gender
is a form of inequality that cuts across every aspect of
development and community partnering. For all those
engaged in Scotland-Malawi partnerships gender matters.
In 2012 the SMP Gender Equality Forum will be hosting a
series of meetings and online forum discussions exploring
how Scotland-Malawi links are integrating gender across
their partnerships. As identified by colleagues in Malawi
the focus will be on mainstreaming gender in the areas
of education, leadership and economic empowerment. For
further information, and to contribute towards these
discussions, visit www.scotlandmalawipartnership.org or
email [email protected].
46 Scotland-Malawi Further and Higher Education Linking
Forwards. Together.
Key Recommendations
Based on electaronic input from Malawian and Scottish institutions, and discussion among SMP FE and HE Forum
members, a number of critical reflections were identified that could help strengthen existing Scotland-Malawi
links, and develop new partnerships:
1. There is significant enthusiasm and commitment across
Scottish and Malawian universities and colleges to build
on existing links, and develop new partnerships.
2. These is recognition within the sector of the value of
harmonising partnership efforts where possible, in order
to most effectively foster and develop HE and FE links.
3. The SMP FE and HE Forum can play an instrumental role
in creating opportunities for coordination and collaboration
among Scottish universities and colleges with links to Malawi.
4. The Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) offers a new
opportunity for improved communication channels
between Scotland and Malawi, as well as enabling
better coordination and collaboration among Malawian
universities and colleges with links to Scotland.
5. Priority areas for future working, as identified by the SMP
HE and FE forum, include:
• Governance • Quality assurance
• ICT
• Access
• Training and support
• Student involvement
With these reflections in mind the SMP Further and Higher Education Forum looks forward to continuing to support
shared learning and collaborative working between Scottish and Malawian institutions, via existing links, and
through new innovative partnerships.
www.scotland-malawipartnership.org
Address: Room 3/7, City Chambers, City of Edinburgh Council, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ
Tel: 0131 529 3164 Fax: 0131 529 3168 E mail: [email protected]
A company limited by guarantee (SC294378) and a registered Scottish charity (SC037048)