Bertha Daimon's "We For Us Foundation" Empowers Children from Humble Backgrounds with Free Education
LILONGWE, Malawi - A dedicated young teacher based in Lilongwe's Area 25 township is embarking on a life-transforming journey to combat illiteracy by establishing a Community Free School aimed at providing quality education to children from humble backgrounds, writes Mustafa Makumba.
Bertha Daimon, the founder of the "We For Us Foundation," initiated this project after noticing a significant difference in enrollment between lower and upper classes in many primary and secondary schools.
She attributed the declining numbers in the upper classes to the prevalent poverty among families in her community.
"Although government primary schools are tuition-free, additional expenses such as examination fees become a burden for less affluent families. This is why we decided to help those who are less advantaged," explained Daimon.
Daimon's school offers free education to its learners and provides all necessary learning materials, including pens, books, and school uniforms, free of charge to deserving students. Launched earlier this year, the initiative is already making a significant impact, with over 30 learners benefiting from free lessons at the facility located in Lilongwe's Area 25 township.
Fiskani Nkhata, one of the teachers at the school, affirmed the profound effect the initiative has had on the school and the community as a whole. He expressed that the program is transforming lives.
"Many people, especially those from financially constrained families, found it challenging to continue their education up to secondary school. However, the initiative, which covers some fees for deserving students, is bringing about positive change in their lives," said Nkhata.
Francis Masala, a standard 7 learner, revealed that he had lost hope due to his family's economic status. His father passed away a long time ago, and he believed his academic aspirations were slipping away.
However, thanks to this initiative, he is now on track to achieve his dreams.
"Ever since I was a child, I aspired to become a High Court Judge, but that dream seemed unattainable until this organization introduced this initiative," he said.
Seven-year-old Livinet Enock, a standard 2 student, mentioned that the uniforms and school materials they receive through this initiative have ignited a sense of determination in her. She aspires to become a teacher.
In addition to bridging the literacy gap between less privileged and more affluent students, the initiative is also helping protect girls from risky behaviours that may lead to dropping out of school or early pregnancies.
As most underage girls spend their time in school, this initiative has also facilitated the return of teen mothers to education.
In addition to establishing a free school to provide education to more individuals, the initiative introduced the "School Materials Package," which identifies needy students from various schools and supplies them with school materials, uniforms, and annual school contribution fees.
It is complemented by another project called the "Women Empowerment Program," which offers free entrepreneurship lessons to women to help them become self-reliant and economically empowered.
Bertha Daimon revealed that she funds all these projects from the proceeds generated by her makeup business in the community.
She urged financial and technical supporters to assist her in reaching more needy students struggling in various communities.