The German Embassy in Malawi has emphasised the importance of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) for the social and economic development of Malawi.
The Chief of the German Development Cooperation and acting German Ambassador to Malawi, Dr. Andreas Hartmann, said this on Friday in Lilongwe during a ceremony at which Malawi’s ALE stakeholders bid farewell to DVV International Regional Director for Southern Africa, Gerhard Quincke, who is retiring and handing over his position to Dr. Johann Heilmann.
Hartmann said that in order to move forward socially and economically, Malawi should provide lifelong learning opportunities to those who are outside the formal schooling system. “There are people who cannot return to school; the only way to help them is to provide non-formal education and training. ALE is key to national development,” he said.
He added that both young and older adults need opportunities and physical locations where they can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. “Investing in the capacities of up to five million people outside the formal education system is an investment in the future of the country as a whole. This is a public task; therefore, civil society and the private sector should assist,” he said.
During Quincke’s tenure, Malawi saw the extension of ALE work in various areas. For example, the German organisation expanded its Community Learning Centres to new districts such as Mchinji and Ntcheu, while simultaneously expanding its Integrated Adult Education programme to Ntchisi and Dowa. Quincke also took the lead in localising the global lifelong learning campaign, branding it 'Kuphunzira Sikumatha' – a slogan which has become a national anthem among ALE stakeholders across the country.
In his remarks, Quincke commended ALE stakeholders in Malawi for their ongoing commitment, citing the development of the National ALE Policy and Strategy, officially launched in 2023, as an example of this commitment in action.
Dalitso Chikwembani, the Director of Technical Services at the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, said the government relies on literate citizens to easily implement its policies: “It takes someone who is literate to access information about government policies, interpret them, and participate in their implementation. As such, the government is committed to eradicating illiteracy and empowering communities with skills to support their livelihoods.”
Uwe Gartenschlaeger, DVV International Director, paid tribute to Quincke via a pre-recorded video, calling him “a respected leading expert in adult education, lifelong learning, and development cooperation.”
As Quincke steps down, his impact continues through the momentum and partnerships he helped create – supporting Malawi’s efforts toward a more inclusive and resilient ALE system.
