Parliament has authorised government to borrow money amounting to K68 billion from the International Development Association to improve the country’s secondary education sector in 13 districts.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha said the funds will assist in addressing challenges facing teachers and students in schools.

Mwanamvekha said there will be an improvement in education access by focusing on equity with quality and learning in secondary schools.

“The purpose of this loan we want to make sure that we improve on quality, we want to make sure that our teachers have adequate education materials,” said Mwanamvekha.

He added that the fund will also help in improving access to education as more schools will be built.

“We want to increase number of secondary schools, and essentially it is there to improve quality and quantity access to education, such that more students are reached,” Mwanamvekha said.

However, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Spokesperson on Finance Sosten Gwengwe has advised government to use the borrowed money for the intended purpose in order to benefit the country’s education sector.