§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of Malawi's requirement for teaching staff in the next four years; and how she expects that need to be met. [137943]
§ Mr. FoulkesThere are about 40,000 primary teachers in Malawi. 50,000 teachers are needed for an average ratio of one teacher per 60 pupils. We recently approved a seven-year programme which includes a teacher education component training 6,000 new teachers per year; though, because of high attrition rates (particularly through HIV/AIDS), it will take several years to reach the target. Malawi is also exploring the scope for increased efficiency through ideas such as multi-grade teaching.