'The Legends' Provides School Uniforms to Deserving Children in Malosa, Zomba District
The Legends' commitment to community service continues to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children, demonstrating the power of collective efforts in creating a better future for all.
Lilongwe, Malawi - The Legends, a youth-led group based in Lilongwe, has made a significant impact by providing school uniforms to 25 deserving primary school children in Malosa, Zomba district, writes Mustafa Makumba.
The initiative aims to improve education and reduce school dropout rates in the area. Established in 2020, The Legends was formed as a response to social problems affecting young people nationwide.
The group, primarily composed of youths, decided to channel their resources towards addressing pressing issues, including helping the underprivileged.
Their dedication to making a positive impact on society led them to redirect the money they used to spend on parties and drinking towards charitable efforts.
"We were motivated to start the charity group one day when we were celebrating the birthday of one of our senior members back in 2020," recalled Angella Kaphwera, one of the senior members of The Legends.
She emphasized their desire to utilize their resources in a way that would benefit the community and bring about positive change.
Through contributions made in their WhatsApp group, The Legends managed to raise enough funds to sew 1000 school uniforms, which were then distributed to various schools in the central and southern regions. One of the recipient schools was Msambainsa Primary School.
"We were less optimistic about their intentions to help a number of learners with school uniforms here at school considering their youthful status," said Douglas Jumbe, the headteacher of Msambainsa Primary School.
He expressed his gratitude and amazement at the sight of students proudly wearing the beautiful and durable school uniforms provided by The Legends.
On November 30, 2023, during a handover ceremony held at Msambainsa Primary School, parents of the deserving beneficiaries expressed their deep appreciation for the initiative.
They praised The Legends' commitment to shifting their focus from personal glory to community service, setting a noble example for others to follow.
The beneficiaries themselves spoke highly of the initiative, emphasizing how it fostered a sense of belonging and sparked a spirit of hard work among them.
Sharon James, a 14-year-old learner in standard 6, expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating that the initiative had reignited her aspiration of becoming a nurse. She shared how the lack of a school uniform had previously affected her self-esteem and class performance.
Another student, Swalleh Mpoya, expressed everlasting joy at being one of the fortunate recipients of a durable school uniform at no cost.
He acknowledged the financial difficulties his parents faced in affording such essential attire and commended The Legends for their initiative.
The Legends team, fully self-funded by its members, was formed by young individuals in Lilongwe in 2020. This year's project aligns with previous initiatives undertaken by the group in the past.
In 2020, they celebrated Christmas with children from Chatata village in Salima, distributing assorted items to children from less affluent families.
In 2021, they visited St. Mary's Orphanage in Salima, engaging in activities and providing essential items to the children.
The Legends' commitment to community service continues to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children, demonstrating the power of collective efforts in creating a better future for all.