Chifundo Inclusive School Bridges Education Gap for Chikwawa Learners

The school, founded by Chifundo Petro, provides free education for students with disabilities and reduces the commute for all learners in the area.

Monday assembly at Chifundo Inclusive secondary school

CHIKWAWA, Malawi — For years, many students in Chikwawa district faced a daunting 18-kilometer trek to reach the nearest secondary school in Ngabu township, writes Moses Thole.

This long distance was a major barrier, leading to high dropout rates, especially among students with disabilities.

However, the opening of Chifundo Inclusive Secondary School in Misewufolo village has transformed education access in the region.

The school, founded by Chifundo Petro, provides free education for students with disabilities and reduces the commute for all learners in the area.

"I noted that many people with disabilities are also struggling to access education due to long distance. This is why I suggested this year to open the school in my area," Petro explained.

Disability is not inability, Petro emphasized. "These people also have equal opportunities as everyone else.

A lot of disabled people do not come from well-to-do families; hence, they resort to dropping out of school. We have come to deal with this problem."

The school has already enrolled over 50 students since its establishment in September 2024, including vision-impaired learner Chrissy Tobias.

"I failed to go to school previously due to distance. When I heard about the opening of this institution, I was very happy," Tobias said.

In addition to providing free education for students with disabilities, the school also charges a small fee for other local learners. Afternoon classes are also offered to accommodate more students.

Chifundo Inclusive Secondary School features a resource room, science laboratory, and library, giving students access to modern educational facilities. Petro, who also runs the Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation Centre, is committed to empowering the community through education and health initiatives.

The school's holistic approach to inclusive education is already making a significant impact in Chikwawa district, reducing barriers and creating opportunities for all learners to thrive.

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