MZUNI Student Secures Full, Partial Sponsorships for 16 Needy Peers
One beneficiary, a female student who received full sponsorship for her four-year program, said she was on the verge of dropping out when she met Mwale.
MZUZU, Malawi — A Mzuzu University student has secured full or partial sponsorships for 16 financially struggling peers through fundraising campaigns, offering hope to students facing dropout due to unpaid tuition and accommodation costs, writes Lumbani Kaunda.
Timothy Mwale, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies student and the university’s social welfare director, mobilizes resources through WhatsApp and Facebook platforms now filled with appeals from students seeking assistance.
The Office of the Dean formally acknowledged Mwale’s contribution, calling his work timely and impactful.
“His work cannot go unnoticed. Many students are suffering here, and we receive numerous requests in our office. What Timothy is doing has greatly relieved us,” a dean said.
One beneficiary, a female student who received full sponsorship for her four-year program, said she was on the verge of dropping out when she met Mwale.
“I had tried everything to raise fees for the semester, but nothing worked. My guardian back in Dowa had no solution except finding transport money for me to return home. Even that was difficult,” she said.
She encountered Mwale while walking back to her hostel, where she also faced problems with her landlord. After sharing her story, he immediately launched a fundraising campaign.
“Two days later, he called me and told me my tuition was fully covered. I couldn’t believe it. Even now, it feels unreal. He is truly a relief to many of us. Imagine—he is also a student, yet his heart is for others,” she said.
Mwale attributed his success to faith, saying he sees himself as a vessel of hope for fellow students.
“It’s not my wisdom, but God’s. When I launched my first fundraising campaign, I was worried about whether it would work. But God came through—it worked within just two days,” he said.
“So far, 16 students are now in safe hands, but my inbox is still full of requests.”
He said seeing fellow students leave campus due to tuition or food challenges pains him most.
“As a believer, I trust that more help will come,” Mwale said.
Beyond the university, Mwale founded and serves as executive director of the Orphans of Africa Foundation, an organization supporting vulnerable children and communities.
Financial challenges continue threatening university students’ dreams across Malawi, where many struggle to afford tuition, accommodation and basic needs despite gaining admission to higher education institutions.