….Preserving Malawi’s educational heritage for future generations
By John Saukira
ZOMBA-(MaraviPost)-After a decade of dormancy, the Malawi Institute of Education (MIE) has successfully operationalised the Museum of Education, a landmark national institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating Malawi’s educational heritage.
Originally constructed with funding from the Press Trust ten years ago, the Museum had remained incomplete for years due to resource and implementation challenges.
Within just two years, MIE has turned this long-awaited vision into reality.
The Institute has constructed modern galleries, mounted artifacts, and produced video documentaries that bring the evolution of education in Malawi to life.
Today, the Museum is fully operational and continues to grow — serving as both a learning space and a hub for cultural and academic collaboration.
The Museum showcases the remarkable journey of Malawi’s education system — from indigenous learning practices, through missionary and colonial education, to modern curriculum reforms.
It stands as a testament to how far the nation has come, and as a platform for dialogue about where it is going.
“The operationalisation of the Museum of Education represents more than a physical milestone. It is a symbolic bridge connecting our past, present, and future — a celebration of the people, ideas, and experiences that have shaped Malawi’s education,” said Dr. Frank Mtemang’ombe, Executive Director of MIE.
Dr Mtemang’ombe said MIE’s Museum team is actively expanding the collection and strengthening its research base.
According to the ED currently, the Institute is documenting indigenous education systems, collecting artifacts, and exploring cultural heritage collaborations with local communities and traditional authorities.In recent months, traditional leaders have been sharing invaluable insights into indigenous education practices and cultural ceremonies, enriching the Museum’s growing knowledge base.
The Museum has also become a space of national reflection and pride.
It offers students, educators, researchers, and visitors the opportunity to explore how education has evolved as a driver of transformation and identity in Malawi.
Plans are underway to digitise exhibits and create an online platform, ensuring wider access to this unique repository of knowledge.
Through this achievement, MIE has not only fulfilled a long-standing institutional goal but has also given Malawi a living archive of its educational journey — a place where the wisdom of the past inspires innovation for the future.
“Education is not only about what we teach, but also about what we remember,” Dr. Mtemang’ombe added. “The Museum of Education ensures that our story — as educators, learners, and a nation — is never forgotten.”
The post MIE brings Museum of Education to Life appeared first on The Maravi Post.