The History and Impact of Malawian Mission Schools on Sustainable Development

Resumo

In Africa, it is almost impossible to talk about United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 without considering the impact made by mission schools. Mission schools are the foundation of education in most African nations and they need huge support from the government. Unfortunately, with the development of public schools, most mission schools have been abandoned and no longer receive any support from the government. Most mission schools are depleted, and their performance have declined. The article argues that unless the government works hand in hand with and supports the mission schools, the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063 will end up being a wishful dream.  The African population is growing extremely quickly, making it hard for government schools to provide the needed education.  This paper explores the history and impact of mission schools on sustainable development in Malawi and the role that the government has in supporting these schools. This paper employs a qualitative research method, where personal interviews are conducted to collect data, plus a literature review.  Its goal is to help the government realise that the issue of sustainable development cannot be achieved only by one entity, but that there is a need to work together with mission schools and the church at large. Government must become aware of the importance of supporting mission schools if sustainable development is to be achieved.