By Ella Mlenga

Rumphi, May 8, Mana: Director of Education and Sports for Rumphi District, Fides Msowoya, has commended government for its efforts of improving female teachers lives by providing them with easy transportation through the Malawi Education Reforms Programme (MERP).

Msowoya made the commendation on Wednesday during a media tour, adding that the bicycles have significantly enhanced the district's education standards by providing better and easy transportation to female teachers.

"I am very grateful that government has also considered giving female teachers bicycle for easy transportation. This development will tremendously improve education standards in Rumphi district," she said.

However, she appealed to government to prioritize addressing accommodation and transportation challenges that female teachers are facing, so that they do not run away from teaching in rural areas.

Nellie Chawinga, Head teacher at Kakuyu, one of the primary schools in the district, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely.

"As a way of safeguarding this development, we already have existing by-laws and regulations in place to protect the bicycles and ensure it continues to serve future generations," Chawinga said.

She also advised fellow headteachers against personalising the bicycles, emphasizing that they are intended to serve all teachers in the district and promote equitable access to transportation.