NGO Supports Less Privileged Learners in Shire Valley Districts
Friends of Rural Learners' Initiative (FORLI) receives praise for providing school necessities to underprivileged students in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts.
NSANJE/CHIKWAWA, Malawi - Communities in the Shire Valley districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa are expressing gratitude towards the local non-governmental organisation, Friends of Rural Learners' Initiative (FORLI), for its commendable efforts in supporting less privileged learners, writes Moses Thole.
Founded by Mercy Mpachika in 2018, FORLI aims to provide school necessities to enable students to achieve their educational goals.
Operating in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts, FORLI has been supplying essential items such as uniforms and notebooks to students in need.
Martha Nyamithambo, a standard 7 pupil at M'bwazi Primary School in Nsanje, shared her experience as a beneficiary of the organization's support.
She revealed, "Thanks to the Friends of Rural Learners' Initiative, I was able to continue my education. The initiative provided me with basic needs, and I am now motivated to work hard and pursue my dream of becoming a medical doctor."
The Director of FORLI, Mercy Mpachika, explained that beneficiaries are identified through collaboration with primary school authorities in Chikwawa and Nsanje.
Mpachika believes that head teachers are best positioned to identify students in dire need of assistance.
She stated, "Headteachers have a close relationship with the pupils. They play a crucial role in identifying children who require support, and we visit them to verify."
Joseph Sawasawa, whose son Gilbert Sawasawa is a standard 4 pupil at Phanda Primary School in Chikwawa, expressed his gratitude for the initiative.
As a jobless father, he struggled to provide his child with basic amenities such as soap, pens, uniforms, and books.
With support from FORLI, Gilbert receives monthly supplies of exercise books, pens, and other learning materials, as well as a school uniform.
To date, FORLI has reached approximately 120 learners, with 90 enrolled in various secondary schools and 20 having completed secondary education.
Mpachika shared the progress of the initiative, stating, "Since its launch, learners who were in Standard 7 and 8 in 2018 have now completed secondary education. We have witnessed an increase in enrollment, with 20% of students who previously dropped out returning to M'bwazi Primary School."
John Loti, the head teacher of M'bwazi Primary School, praised FORLI for its impactful work, emphasising that many vulnerable learners have benefited from the initiative.
Furthermore, Felix Kamole, a businessperson in Chikwawa district, commended FORLI's efforts and pledged to contribute to the fund, urging other businesses to support underprivileged students in their education.
Mpachika called upon potential partners to join forces with FORLI, enabling the organisation to reach even more needy students.
She also revealed plans to expand the initiative by providing sanitary pads to girls facing challenges in that regard, along with the introduction of another bursary for secondary school students.
FORLI's unwavering commitment to supporting less privileged learners makes a significant difference in the lives of students in the Shire Valley districts, empowering them to pursue their education and build a brighter future.