JB Foundation’s Feat in Empowering Young Malawians Access Education Cost-Free

In 2012, when Joyce Banda, the former State President and philanthropist, took office, Rita’s mother had a fateful encounter with her.

Rita during her graduation with JB

BLANTYRE, Malawi—The theme is: Educate, Elevate, Empower. This is exemplified by the inspiring story of Rita Nyaude, who in 2012 faced a bleak future without the means to continue her education despite passing her exams, writes Francis Tayanjah-Phiri.

Rita’s mother, a poor woman from the slums of Nkolokoti Township in Blantyre, was equally distressed.

With no source of income, she struggled to provide for her family, let alone afford her daughter's secondary school fees.

Then a miracle occurred.

In 2012, when Joyce Banda, the former State President and philanthropist, took office, Rita’s mother had a fateful encounter with her.

While collecting relief maize, she bravely approached the president with her daughter.

“She defied the odds and told the President that from that day on, I was the HE’s daughter, and she should care for me because she was failing to pay fees despite my quest for education and intelligence. The HE heard my story and was so touched,” Rita recounted.

“JB gave me a scholarship to the elite Joyce Banda Foundation. I could not believe it. And that was not all; I used to stay with her at the State House during school holidays. The President even bought us a plot and built us a house in Nkolokoti,” she shared, detailing the charity that transformed her life and her family's circumstances.

Young Rita and IJ

Rita did not disappoint her benefactor.

“I got 18 points on my MSCE, and I was encouraged by my benefactor to enrol at any university, which I did. I pursued a degree in journalism at a private university, and I did well. The former president came during my graduation, cutting short a trip to Kenya just to attend. I was so excited,” she said.

This story is just one of many showcasing the Joyce Banda Foundation's commitment to empowering young Malawians, both male and female.

“The Joyce Banda Foundation International believes that an educated population is critical to poverty eradication and the socio-economic development of the country. For this reason, the Foundation has been offering education scholarships for the past 30 years, focusing on girls to ensure they attain higher education,” said Arnold Mnelemba, Special Aide to Dr. Joyce Banda and coordinator of a newly launched bursary initiative.

Over the years, the Foundation has helped 6,500 girls and boys attain secondary education and sponsored 2,500 university students, including 46 who have become medical doctors.

“In the last two years, we have also supported 21 STEM students to attain Master’s degrees in the United States,” Mnelemba added.

The new initiative, the "Empowering Future Girls Bursary Project," aims to provide financial support to retain disadvantaged girls in secondary school and assist final-year financially challenged university students.

“Applications for this bursary will be received through the offices of the headmaster or registrar of the concerned students. The application must include proof of need, academic performance, school ID, and bank details of the beneficiary school,” he explained, emphasising the Foundation’s belief that this initiative will help transform needy but hard-working girls into pillars of Malawi’s future development.

Joyce Banda Foundation International Managing Director Edith Akridge stressed that education is vital for combating poverty and instilling dignity in individuals.

“This initiative emerged from the former president's encounters and her desire to help others. It’s through her story that we established the Edith Mtila Scholarship, which has educated thousands,” Akridge stated.

The newly established K315 million scholarship initiative fund will target secondary and university students and is aimed at being sustainable over the years.

Joyce Banda herself expressed joy over the launch of the initiative. She noted that it marks the first time she has received support from international partners to assist local university students.

“It hurts to see local students withdrawing from their programs due to a lack of fees. The saddest situation was when some medical students were at risk of being withdrawn from university last year, even in their final year. That is why we developed this initiative—you will not pay me back, but I urge you to support others after your education,” JB said.

“For US$30, one can buy a uniform for someone in need. Let’s learn to support others. A bag of maize costs K50,000 currently; why not buy a needy person such a bag?” She added, expressing disappointment when a beneficiary of her scholarship refused to help others.

University of Malawi (UNIMA) Students’ Council representative Eliah Mwaungulu highlighted that JB’s charitable efforts are worthy of emulation by other leaders.

“This is a true testimony that some leaders are called to serve the people. We have seen leaders who stop their charity work as soon as they leave office. JB has been there for needy students and others long before she assumed office, and she continues her work even after leaving,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Luke Phiri, a student from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, shared his transformation story thanks to the JB Foundation.

“I am one of the many students whose life has been transformed by the JB Foundation. This support has not only changed my life but also enabled me to have a future,” Phiri said.

He recounted how the Foundation intervened at the last minute to save him from being expelled due to outstanding school fees, allowing him to continue his studies and graduate.

The Empowering Future Girls Bursary initiative aims to rescue many intelligent but disadvantaged girls from dropping out of school and college, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.

---