Improving educational access of vulnerable children in high HIV prevalence communities of Malawi: The potential of open and flexible learning strategies

Many children in Malawi have poor access to learning and are at risk of exclusion and early dropout. In the context of HIV/AIDS, formal schools need to become more flexible and responsive to children's lives. Introducing an educational model that integrates open and flexible learning strategies with conventional schooling, this paper highlights the potential of such an approach to enhance learning experiences, bring psychosocial benefits and improve retention of vulnerable pupils in high HIV prevalence communities in rural Malawi. This paper also argues that effective innovation requires strategies to create an enabling environment and promote an inclusive philosophy within schools.

► An open and flexible learning model was piloted in 20 rural primary schools in Malawi.
► A mixed methods experimental design evaluated process and pupil outcomes.
► There was a positive effect on dropout rates of grade 6 pupils.
► ‘At-risk’ pupils experienced improved learning experiences and psychosocial benefits.
► Schools’ capacity and exclusionary practices need to be addressed.