The LGPI in Malawi: Selected Findings on Education (2016)

Malawi has been unable to achieve its desired goal of universal primary education. It is estimated that over 4.3 million children are currently enrolled in the first two stages of the Malawian education cycle. However, approximately 11 percent of primary school–age children are still outside the school system. Additionally, high dropout rates have an impact on the number of students completing their education. In 2007, the chances of a student completing all eight years of primary education was 32 percent, and students had only a 9 percent chance of completing all 12 years of primary and secondary education. This report draws on data from the Local Government Performance Index (LGPI)—a heavily clustered, multidimensional, experience-based survey implemented in Malawi from March 24 to April 27, 2016—to highlight the challenges Malawians face in education and mechanisms people develop to solve problems regarding their children’s education.