Bursary Scheme Empowers Over 100 Students in Chikwawa, Malawi
Good News Children's Home supports 100+ students through bursary scheme, writes Moses Thole.
Chikwawa, Malawi— Good News Children's Home, a Chikwawa-based orphan care centre, has successfully supported more than 100 students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions through its bursary scheme since 2014, writes Moses Thole.
The programme aims to alleviate financial barriers to education and foster economic and social independence among students in the region.
The bursary scheme extends its support to primary, secondary, and tertiary education in various villages, including Rabu, Mchacha, Thudzu, Jesse, Konzere, Mwanawanjobvu, and neighbouring villages along the Nsanje district border.
One of the program's earliest beneficiaries, Innocent Khembo, hails from Esnart Village under Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje district.
Khembo had been selected for Kamuzu Academy in 2009 but was unable to proceed due to financial constraints.
However, thanks to the Good News Children's Home, he was included in their bursary scheme, which supported his tertiary education.
"I pursued an accounting programme at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), formerly known as the Polytechnic. Good News Children's Home covered my tuition until I completed my studies in 2018. Without their support, my father would not have been able to finance my education. Today, I am proud to work as an accountant at Fatima Trinity Hospital in Nsanje district," Khembo shared.
Peter Yona, another beneficiary from Sub Traditional Authority Ngowe in Chikwawa district, faced a similar situation.
After losing his guardian, who would have supported his education up to the tertiary level, Yona believed his educational aspirations were shattered.
However, Good News Children's Home stepped in and enabled him to pursue his dreams.
"I thought my dreams of attaining an education were over when I lost my guardian, but thanks to God and Good News Children's Home, I was able to achieve my ambitions. I enrolled at the Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA) in Blantyre, completed my studies, and now I am working with Vision Fund," said Yona.
Joseph Zulu, Director of Good News Children's Home, expressed delight at the success of the bursary scheme, noting that more than 20 students have completed tertiary education and obtained degrees in various fields since the program's inception.
"We have made remarkable progress in this community. Previously, many people in this region were unable to access tertiary education due to high levels of poverty. However, since the launch of our bursary programme, people are realising their dreams. We have produced accountants, doctors, and professionals from various disciplines. Our community now boasts a significant number of graduates," enthusiastically revealed Zulu.
The 2023 enrollment statistics show that the bursary scheme has expanded to include beneficiaries from institutions such as Mzuzu University, the University of Malawi, Holy Family College of Nursing, and Fatima Trinity College of Nursing.
Currently, nine students are pursuing a university education, while 24 students are enrolled in secondary schools, and 76 learners receive support at the primary school level.
Despite the scheme's success, Zulu highlighted the main challenge of inadequate funding, which limits their ability to support as many deserving students as they would like.
"We support numerous students despite our financial situation. We provide basic school necessities such as food, clothing, soap, shoes, and books. Therefore, we appeal to well-wishers and partners to come forward and support us financially," added Zulu.
Despite financial challenges, Zulu revealed the organization's plans to establish a primary school at the institution and fully develop the Good News Private Academy, which currently offers Forms 1 and 3.
They also aim to increase enrollment in the bursary programme at all levels of education by 2025.