Imagine’s research has demonstrated additional important benefits including increased attendance in school

Our 2-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) (conducted 2019-2021) in Malawi demonstrated approximately 4.2 months of additional learning in literacy and 3.6 months of additional learning in math (added values of 32% and 28% respectively) after 13 months of tablet use and despite COVID-related school closures. Higher engagement in class, and greater confidence in learning and girls benefited at least as much as boys in contrast to standard classroom practice.

This model has already been successfully implemented in over 250 schools across Malawi since 2014, serving 225,000 children via the Unlocking Talent program.

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State of Education in Malawi

Malawi’s 3.8 million primary school children are educated in just 6,000 schools.

Free primary education was introduced in 1994, however the country still faces significant educational challenges. While enrollment has risen to 5.3 million students, systemic issues such as overcrowded classrooms, a lack of learning materials, a shortage of trained teachers, and high student-to-teacher ratios still exist and hinder quality education.

Population (2023): 20.9 million

Number of early-grade children: 3.8+ million

Primary student-to-teacher ratio: 60:1

Primary school completion rate (2024): 45% boys, 54% girls

Official literacy rate: 62%