Marist Brothers in Malawi build e-libraries in under-resourced schools

The religious brothers are building the e-libraries as part of their two projects, Girls Empowerment and New Horizons.

A female student (in white blouse) receiving routers from Brother Jumbe--Photo by Watipaso Mzungu.

Malawi: The Roman Catholic Church's Marist Brothers have launched an ambitious project to build digital libraries in under-resourced Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) in Malawi's Central and Southern Regions, writes Watipaso Mzungu.

Likuni Boys Secondary School in Lilongwe, Champagnat Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) and Marist Secondary School in Dedza, St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Balaka, Zomba Catholic and Mayaka Community Day Secondary Schools in Zomba, and Msalura and Mafco CDSSs in Salima are among the secondary schools that will benefit.

The religious brothers are building the e-libraries as part of their two projects, Girls Empowerment and New Horizons, which they are implementing to supplement Malawi's government's efforts to address the barriers to education that underprivileged children face.

The Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI) is funding projects in Malawi to increase access to education for underprivileged students.

Brother Francis Jumbe, National Provincial Councilor for the Marist Brothers in Malawi, stated that in addition to providing tuition fees to underprivileged students, they are building electronic libraries to address the lack of resources that most schools in the country face.

"We are aware that most schools do not have well-stocked libraries that allow students to study and prepare for lessons and exams." As a result, digital libraries are becoming an integral part of the learning environment because they provide students with information literacy to support lifelong learning," said Jumbe.

The religious brothers have already given tablets and routers to the principals of the chosen schools. The devices are pre-loaded with secondary school study materials.

Jumbe revealed that for the next three years, the projects will provide monthly internet bundles to all schools.

Aliness Nkhata, a student representative at Likuni Boys Secondary School, said the digital library will help them improve their academic performance.

She praised the Malawian Marist Brothers for initiating the project.

"We don't take your support lightly. We promise to work hard in school so that we can achieve our goals," Aliness said.