Standard Bank donates K15m to girls' STEAM camp at MUST
Earlier this year, Standard Bank donated 20 million kwacha to MUST's endowment fund, which offers scholarships to underprivileged students.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— Standard Bank Plc has invested K15 million in the Girls Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Camp at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), underscoring its commitment to support young women in science education and advance gender equality, writes Yamikani Sekeni.
The donation will directly fund the camp's initiatives, including technology and art workshops, and sponsor underprivileged girls to attend the camp.
The MUST STEAM Girls Camp aims to inspire and empower girls to explore and pursue careers in STEAM fields.
Standard Bank's Client Coverage Manager, Pempho Chalamanda, said the donation reiterates the bank's core purpose of driving Malawi's growth.
"Standard Bank believes in the transformative power of STEAM education and inclusivity. By investing in the Girls STEAM Camp at MUST, we are investing in a future of innovation and leadership with more female representation," Chalamanda said.
She added, "This donation is a testament to our commitment to corporate social responsibility and our dedication to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We hope this contribution will help create pathways for young women to pursue successful careers in STEAM fields."
Standard Bank commended MUST for organizing the STEAM Camp, saying the intervention significantly encourages girls to feel confident and motivated to participate in these disciplines.
Dr. Marion Chirwa Kajombo, chairperson of the MUST STEAM Girls Camp, praised Standard Bank's support.
"We appreciate the support from Standard Bank. It has enabled us to reach out to needy students lacking motivation and inspiration to realize their dreams," Kajombo said.
"Some do not have any hope but through the camp, their lives will change because the intervention will open opportunities for girls to be exposed to several career pathways through interaction with role models."
Earlier this year, Standard Bank donated 20 million kwacha to MUST's endowment fund, which offers scholarships to underprivileged students.
The bank continues to support education initiatives that improve access and quality of education for Malawi's youth.
The MUST STEAM Girls Camp began on July 1 and will conclude on July 12 at the institution's campus in Thyolo.