By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Prison Service is moving to recruit additional teachers across the country’s correctional facilities after inmate pass rates in national examinations dropped in 2026.
Public Relations Officer Steve Meke said the recruitment drive is part of efforts to uphold inmates’ right to education and to strengthen rehabilitation programs aimed at producing better and more responsible citizens upon release.
According to Meke, in the 2026 MANEB examinations, 45.7% of inmate candidates passed the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education, while in the Junior Certificate of Education, 49 out of 70 candidates passed, representing 70%.
He said both figures mark a decline from 2024/2025. Last year, the PSLCE pass rate stood at 58.6%, while the JCE was at 76%.
Meke attributed the drop partly to teacher shortages and limited learning resources in some prison schools, noting that increasing staffing levels is critical to reversing the trend.
The Prison Service says education remains central to its reformation agenda. By improving classroom conditions and teacher numbers, the department aims to equip inmates with literacy and life skills that support reintegration into society.
Meke added that the department appreciates continued support from the government and other stakeholders who provide learning materials, infrastructure, and volunteer tutors to prison schools.
The recruitment exercise is expected to begin in the coming months and will target all prison facilities nationwide.
