i4D's Education & Skills Development pillar widens access to quality, inclusive learning and builds the skills Malawi needs — from foundational literacy through higher education, technical and vocational training, digital literacy and research capacity.
Our Strategic Goal
To widen access to quality, inclusive education and skills development — from foundational literacy through higher education, technical and vocational training, digital literacy and research capacity — that builds Malawi's human capital and prepares youth for the labour market and entrepreneurship.
Strategic Objectives
- Widen access to quality, inclusive basic education, with a focus on foundational literacy, numeracy and early childhood development.
- Improve the relevance and governance of higher education and technical/vocational education (TEVET) for labour-market needs.
- Expand STEM, digital and AI literacy.
- Build sustainable research capacity that informs policy.
- Cultivate ethical, adaptive leaders and entrepreneurs.
Key Areas of Support
- Basic Education
- Higher Education and Knowledge Development
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET)
- Digital Literacy and Digital Transformation
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Research Capacity Strengthening
- Leadership Development
- Innovation Hubs and Knowledge Ecosystems
- Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development
Priority Interventions
- Foundational learning support through literacy and numeracy coaching.
- Teacher professional development pathways.
- University-industry linkage platforms.
- STEM and digital skills academies with a deliberate focus on girls' participation (target: at least 40% girls in STEM/digital academies).
- Innovation and enterprise incubation with dedicated youth and women's tracks.
The Context in Malawi
- i4D has trained 1,500 teachers in learner-centred approaches.
- i4D has expanded vocational and digital skills programmes for youth and women.
- i4D's work has contributed to increased school enrolment and retention for girls.
“Education is the foundation of every strong community. Our mission ensures that every child has access to learning opportunities.”
Strategic Partners
We work with government (including district education offices and teacher training colleges), academic institutions, the private sector, and communities.