Sports Pushed as Key for Primary Students
Bolyx Shumba, the education advisor for the zone, said such events are a welcome addition to regular physical activities already taking place in schools.
MZIMBA, Malawi— A foundation hosting a cross country race for primary schools in northern Malawi's Mzimba district made an impassioned call Saturday for the promotion of sports among young learners, writes Vic Yande.
Linda Ward, founder of the Linda Ward Foundation, said taking part in sporting activities plays a crucial role in developing discipline, hard work and overall well-being in students from an early age.
"It is vital for the learners to participate in sports which helps in promoting physical fitness in terms of their health and also promotes social interaction among learners," Ward told dozens of cheering students after her organization's running event in Kavuula education zone.
She urged the government and other stakeholders to get behind grassroots sports programs, which she said are vital for identifying young talent across Malawi.
After racing over a 3-kilometer course on a sunny morning, the top finishers from St. Hilary, St. Rosario and Kamteteka primary schools received notebooks and pens courtesy of the foundation.
Bolyx Shumba, the education advisor for the zone, said such events are a welcome addition to regular physical activities already taking place in schools.
"These sporting activities organized by Linda Ward Foundation complement what we are already doing in primary schools where we dedicate days each week to various sporting games," Shumba said.
In addition to its focus on promoting an active lifestyle among youth, the foundation also supports community health initiatives in the area surrounding Kamteteka village.
It recently renovated the local health post and constructed staff housing.