Taiwan-Funded Group Donates 200 Textbooks to Rural Malawi School
The donation is part of Luke International's ongoing Community Development Project, supporting education initiatives in Malawi.
MZIMBA, Malawi — Luke International donated 209 language and humanities textbooks Monday to Emcisweni Community Day Secondary School, addressing a severe shortage that had 15 students sharing a single book, writes AfricaBrief Reporter.
The donation, funded by Taiwan's Bjorgaas Social Welfare Foundation, aims to improve academic performance at the rural secondary school, which achieved a 69% pass rate in the 2024 national examinations despite resource constraints.
"The school had shortages of Language and Humanity books, which affected the performance of learners," said Mercy Mvula Chapweteka, Luke International's Community Development Project Manager.
Principal Isaac Muyaba said the books will help teachers deliver more effective lessons.
"We had a huge gap between learners and books. With this donation, we hope that things will not remain the same," he said.
Northern Region Education Division official Ndongolera Christopher Mwangupiri said the textbook shortage affects many community secondary schools nationwide.
"The policy of the Ministry of Education says the ratio for learners to books is one to one; however, this is not the case in many schools," he said.
School officials also requested support for constructing girls' hostels to improve female student retention.
Form 3 student Racheal Phula pledged proper care of the new books, which cover Forms 1 through 4 curriculum requirements.
The donation is part of Luke International's ongoing Community Development Project, supporting education initiatives in Malawi.