Education Support Program in Chikwawa District Empowers Underprivileged Students
The organization aspires to accommodate more beneficiaries by the middle of the next year, 2024.
CHIKWAWA, MALAWI - A school support program in Chikwawa District is making a significant impact on reducing the dropout rates among students at Chilongoma and Mantchomba Primary Schools, writes Moses Thole.
These schools had faced high dropout rates primarily due to the poverty affecting many households in the region.
Community Forum (COFO), a civil society organization based in Chikwawa, has emerged as a beacon of hope for impoverished households in the area.
Their transformative "Education Program" provides vital support, including school uniforms, exercise books, and other essential amenities, to children attending Chilongoma and Mantchomba Primary Schools.
Funded by generous donors from Germany, this ongoing program, which has been in operation for three months, has extended its reach to include needy students in secondary schools.
The assistance provided by the German donors through COFO has had a profound impact, prompting many children to return to school.
Ezekiel Chimwala, a parent with two children benefiting from the program, expressed his deep gratitude to COFO.
"Two of my children attend Mantchomba Primary School, and it was challenging for me to support them as I am currently unemployed. Despite attempting various businesses to help my children, I was unsuccessful. Thanks to COFO and the Education Program, I am now able to provide an education for my children," explained Chimwala.
Records at Mantchomba Primary School, as shared by Headteacher Phillip Salle, show a significant increase in the number of students enrolled for the 2023-2024 academic year, which began in September.
"We've seen a remarkable improvement in our school as many children have returned to the classrooms. This is largely due to COFO's support in providing essential amenities. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to COFO and encourage them to continue with their valuable assistance. It clearly demonstrates the power of supporting each other in education," commended Sale.
Anne Lameck, hailing from Kantefa village under Traditional Authority Katunga in Chikwawa district, shared her dreams of becoming a nurse.
With the support she is receiving from COFO, her aspirations are becoming more attainable.
"I am assured that my education is on the right track. I am currently in Form Three at Bwabwali Community Day Secondary School (CDSS). Initially, I faced challenges due to a lack of school fees. However, thanks to COFO, I now have the hope of continuing my education," explained Lameck.
Priscilla Malikebu, a Form One student at N'thumba Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in the district, had a similar experience. "My parents could not afford to pay my fees. I reached out to a COFO official who offered me a chance in their bursary scheme," said Malikebu.
In addition to reaching out to needy students, the Education Program also conducts teacher training during school holidays through a project known as "Teaching at the Right Level."
COFO's Executive Director, Joshua Malunga, expressed his organization's unwavering commitment to assisting underprivileged primary and secondary students through the Education Program.
"Our mission is to save and serve underprivileged learners and students in Chikwawa District. We saw the wisdom in seeking support from well-wishers in Germany to further this program," stated Malunga.
Since the program's inception, almost 40 ongoing schoolchildren have benefited. Malunga, however, acknowledged that many more learners require support, but financial constraints limit their capacity.
The organization aspires to accommodate more beneficiaries by the middle of the next year, 2024.
Malunga's plans include increasing support to nearly 50 to 60 children and other students through a bursary scheme by the following year's second quarter, demonstrating COFO's commitment to making quality education accessible to those in need.