About
Early grade mathematics
The goal of the project is to improve the quality of mathematics education in Malawi, so more girls and boys successfully progress through and complete primary school with measurable improvements in their learning. In collaboration with Mott Macdonald and relevant partners, BlueTree contributes to the project by ensure a cost-effective and quality book development and procurement.
Challenge
The curriculum and relevant textbooks are atomized in Malawi, and lead to a low learning achievement of mathematics. FCDO’s program to strengthen the teaching of primary school mathematics in Malawi, seeks to address this problem. This projects aim is to support the Government of Malawi with revision, production and distribution of new mathematics teaching and learning materials.
Method
With the support of BlueTree, Mott Macdonald ensures a cost-efficient and quality book development, procurement, and delivery of these new materials.
BlueTree has conducted a Book Supply Chain assessment of all the stakeholders involved in the book supply chain of Malawi, including the Ministry of Education (MoEST), print supplier, and distribution suppliers. A procurement plan for print and distribution has been developed, with input from the program staff and other stakeholders.
BlueTree has developed a procurement plan for print and distribution, which involved the construction of an RFQ for printers and distributors.
The team also manages the distribution of the pilot and supports the Ministry of Education fot the distribution of the expanded pilot.
BlueTree Group conducted a comprehensive monitoring of book usage and management across twenty sample schools, evaluating the effectiveness, resilience, and organization of book handling by students, teachers, and families.
The teams offer support in preparing the developed titles for printing, ensuring they are in a Ready to Print format. Additionally, they assist in transforming black-and-white images and text into vibrant, colored visuals, revitalizing the overall aesthetic of the project.
Results
The project is successful in providing mathematics books to schools during the pilot and extended pilot phases. We have procured, shipped, and distributed thousands of books to students in Malawi for terms 1, 2, and 4. Moreover, we have conducted capacity-building and skills transfer initiatives for local printers and the Ministry of Education’s Supply unit. As we progress, the project advances with the transformation of books into captivating images and colorful designs of the upcoming phase.