Home of Thanks Village Requests Assistance
The orphanage, referred to as Tiyamika Orphans and Needy Schools, operates a tuition-free secondary school that provides education to orphans and underprivileged children.
MCHINJI, Malawi-Home of Thanks Village, an orphanage located in Traditional Authority (T/A) Simphasi in Mchinji District, urgently appeals for assistance from kind-hearted individuals, writes Gerald Fanuel.
They require essential donations such as tents, food, and educational materials for their secondary school.
The orphanage, referred to as Tiyamika Orphans and Needy Schools, operates a tuition-free secondary school that provides education to orphans and underprivileged children.
The school was founded in 2021 with the aim of offering free education to at-risk youth who might otherwise drop out or marry early.
Since its opening, the school has become a sought-after option and has over 300 enrolled learners.
According to Christopher Lemose, the Orphanage Director, the establishment initially began in 2018 as a Community Based Childcare Center (CBCC) under an outreach initiative.
However, as demand grew for assistance with educational expenses, the orphanage decided to open a no-fee secondary school.
However, the goal of assisting disadvantaged and orphaned youth through quality education is increasingly under threat.
Speaking to AfricaBrief, Lemose expressed that the school urgently requires assistance.
They specifically need tents, food, and learning materials to improve the students’ experience.
“In 2021, we began using makeshift shelters as classrooms, but they leak during rains, forcing us to halt lessons,” Lemose said.
“When we had enough food, many students came to learn. But with current shortages, most have gone home. We kindly ask generous people to provide food and educational resources.”
The orphanage currently lacks proper classrooms and offices, making operations difficult in rainy weather.
Lemose said having plastic roofing or tents would help immensely.
One student, Amina Malinga from Guillueme in T/A Zulu, shared her experience. Unable to afford secondary school after passing her Primary School Leaving Certificate Exams, she enrolled at Tiyamika due to its lack of fees.
Although not expecting much initially, Malinga said the education quality matches that of fee-charging schools.
She highlighted the strong sense of community motivating students to succeed despite inadequate resources and voluntary teachers.
Records show 71% of 101 students passed the 2023 Junior Certificate Exams.
However, most of the over 500 enrolled students have withdrawn recently due to food and other shortfalls.
This year 44 students have registered for the 2024 exams. The first Form Four class will start this September.
Mchinji District Education Manager Samson Kawiya said the privately-run school must still meet minimum Ministry standards to receive government assistance.
Senior Group Village Headman Puwere pledged continuing community support through provision of accommodation, bricks and thatch.
Individuals wishing to help can contact the director at 0887569120 or 0997947946.