Situation Analysis of Community Technical Colleges in Malawi, Critical Issues and Practical Implications Affecting their Operationalisation

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the critical issues affecting operationalisation of Community Technical Colleges in Malawi. The objectives of the study were to assess critical issues which are affecting College management in the operationalisation of Community Technical Colleges in the country, identify and determine the challenges which trainees are facing in the process of acquiring practical skills in Community Technical Colleges and explore ways in which Community Technical Colleges can manage and address these critical issues. The research adopted a qualitative study approach while using Constructivism paradigm which helped the researcher to get in-depth understanding of participant’s experience in Community Technical College setting. The study was guided by a conceptual framework derived from administrative management theory. Three Community Technical Colleges which participated were sampled from Central region of Malawi. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions. Prior to data collection, consent was sought from MZUNIREC which gave ethical clearance. Collected data was managed by storing it in forms like written notes and audios. Collected data was thematically analysed. The study findings were that Community Technical Colleges are highly affected by lack of teaching resources, funding, infrastructure and low trainee enrolment levels. The study has also established that teaching and learning resources, lack of trainings and professional development for teachers, lack of career path for trainees and absence of boarding facilities is negatively affecting trainees in their pursuit of acquiring practical skills. This is challenging the main goal behind introduction of Community Technical College in Malawi which was mainly increasing youth’s access to Technical Education as put in the 2014 Malawi government concept paper on establishment of CTCs. The study explored ways on how Community Technical Colleges can manage and address the identified critical issues.