top of page

Mzuzu University

Mzuzu University

The mission of Mzuzu University is "to provide high quality education, training, research and complimentary services to meet the technological, social and economic needs of individuals and communities in Malawi." Their motto is "Self Reliance, Service, and Perfection." The Head of the Education Department, Ms. Febbie Chibambo, is most supportive in helping to implement classes in the field of special education and welcoming IASE volunteers. Please visit www.mzuni.ac.mw to learn more about this university located in the northern part of Malawi.

Malawi Connection: IASE & Mzuzu University

By Ambumulire Nellie Phiri


Malawi, like many other countries south of the Equator recognizes the key role of including all people regardless of ability into the development process. The country is fast embracing and implementing the inclusion philosophy. The need to build capacity and expertise to support the inclusion of individuals with special needs and ensure their meaningful participation is critical.


In 2009, with the support of the International Association of Special Education (IASE) experts, I was privileged to facilitate development of a special education course as part of our Teacher Education core curriculum at Mzuzu University, Malawi. The course was offered to our general education students beginning in August of 2010. My colleague, Dr. Simeon Gwayi, has been teaching the course. We were further honored to receive 20 textbooks from the IASE GIVING Fund, as well as, support from one of the book authors, Dr. Yvonne Bui, and the book publisher, Mr. Stan Love.


Mzuzu University prepares approximately 200 teachers every year, and hence, a new course required a sufficient number of text books for students to use as library resources. With scarcity of teaching and learning resources, the gift of books with up-to-date research in the field of special education was just the most appropriate gesture of kindness.


I am therefore very thankful to the IASE organization for its mission to connect experts around the globe with a mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs. I am also thankful to Mary Gale and Marg for helping to assure that the textbooks reached Malawi. I appreciate that they were able to make time to visit Mzuzu University and to see the implementation of the course developed with the help of IASE.

Book Donations

A big THANK YOU to the following publishers and universities for their support of Mzuzu University with Special Education book donations. Love Publishing, Corwin: a Sage Company, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)/ Professional Development Services, Ashland University and the State University of New York at Oswego all made generous donations of professional books for our teacher education program.

Pictured above is Dr. Jim Chapple, professor at Ashford University. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Connie Ericson, professor at Ashford Unviersity for her donations.

Pictured above is Stan Love, CEO of Love Publishing.

Pictured above is Sarah Lokerson, Marketing Manager at Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Also, a special thanks to Lorraine Sobson, Publications Manager.

Pictured above is Kim Greenberg, Associate Editor at Corwin: A SAGE Company. Also, a special thanks to CEO Dan Alpert for his support.

International Association of Special Education

Fostering a Global Exchange of Ideas and Information

bottom of page