Chancellor College Students Face Financial Challenges

Rising number of financially distressed students prompts short-term assistance.

Thanks Mwalwanda (in black T-shirt) with a beneficiary in the room secured by the Let Love Lead initiative

Zomba, Malawi - As the number of financially distressed students on the verge of withdrawing from universities and colleges continues to rise, various groups and institutions are implementing short- and medium-term solutions to provide assistance, writes Thabit Mussa.

One such group, known as Let Love Lead, has already made a significant impact by rescuing over 50 students from its initiative, effectively reducing the rate of withdrawals due to financial constraints.

Let Love Lead leverages the power of social media, particularly Facebook, to mobilise individuals to donate money or food to support students in need at the Chancellor College in Zomba.

This collective effort helps alleviate the financial burden and reduces the number of students who withdraw from their studies due to their inability to pay the yearly tuition fees, which amount to K350,000 or meet their basic requirements.

Mayamiko Juma, former Director of Student Welfare in the Students' Representative Committee (SRC) at the Chancellor College, acknowledges the prevalence of complaints received by their office.

He explained that the complaints come from students who are either excluded from the government loan initiative or whose guardians are unable to provide additional financial support on top of the government-provided loans.

"During my tenure (2021–2022) as Director of Students' Welfare at the Chancellor College, I witnessed a significant number of students on the brink of withdrawal due to financial constraints, with the workload becoming overwhelming for the office," said Juma.

According to Juma, one of the primary causes of financial difficulties at the university is the inadequate funding of the Higher Education Student Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB), which is unable to accommodate all students who apply for loans.

Additionally, the upkeep money disbursed to students' accounts, amounting to K175,000 per semester, falls short considering the high cost of living both at the university and in the country in general.

Since the inception of the Let Love Lead initiative, numerous students who would have otherwise withdrawn due to financial difficulties have received valuable assistance.

Juma added, "The initiative has alleviated the burden on the Directorate of Students' Welfare, as some students have been supported through it."

Honest Mithi, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Theology), shared his experience as a beneficiary of the initiative.

He recounted withdrawing from the university due to financial constraints, specifically the inability to afford rent and meals.

"I withdrew from the Chancellor College after realising that I couldn't cope with the rising costs of accommodation and food," stated Mithi.

"Luckily, my colleagues connected me to Let Love Lead, which raised funds for me to return to school and continue my studies."

Emmanuel Oswald, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Physics) at the Chancellor College, also expressed gratitude for Let Love Lead.

He explained, "I was on the verge of withdrawal due to outstanding tuition fees and the lack of funds for rent and meals. Fortunately, I contacted Let Love Lead, which assisted me by covering my fee balance of K55,000 and providing some funds for rent and meals as I had no means to support myself."

The initiative was founded in 2021 by Thanks Elia Mwalwanda, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) at the Chancellor College.

Mwalwanda was motivated to take action upon learning about the high number of students who withdraw from the university due to financial difficulties, including those who suffer silently.

"A significant number of students here at the Chancellor College withdraw every semester due to the lack of tuition fees or inability to pay for rent and meals. Some suffer in silence. This is why I decided to come up with a platform to ensure such students are assisted accordingly," explained Mwalwanda.

Let Love Lead relies on fundraising activities, where the issue is highlighted on social media platforms to encourage donations of money or food.

However, the initiative faces the major challenge of inadequate funding as it relies on sporadic donations during critical moments. To address this, Let Love Lead plans to establish sustainable businesses to generate ongoing funds.

Mwalwanda emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in this initiative.

"Transparency and accountability are important in this line of work to gain the trust of well-wishers. We ensure that all activities and updates are shared on social media and address any questions or inquiries individuals may have regarding the initiative," disclosed Mwalwanda.

Looking ahead, Mwalwanda stated that Let Love Lead has plans to evolve into an established organisation with dedicated businesses and offices to assist needy students in public universities across Malawi.

---