Youth Group Hails Malawi's Increased Student Allowances, Urges More
Looking ahead, YAS proposed expanding loan eligibility beyond university undergraduates to diploma students and other marginalized groups.
LILONGWE, Malawi— A prominent youth organization in Malawi praised the government's decision to increase student upkeep allowances by 60% in the 2024/25 budget but also called for further reforms to higher education financing, writes Winston Mwale.
Youth and Society, or YAS, extended "commendations" to authorities for raising the allowance for university students from K350,000 to K560,000.
Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda announced the increase.
"This adjustment reflects a significant 60 percent increase which aligns with the pressing needs of young Malawians pursuing higher education," YAS said in a statement Wednesday.
The group said it had urged the allowance hike in a pre-budget submission highlighting youth priorities like education financing, digital access and economic empowerment.
However, YAS called for ensuring the government's 25 billion kwacha allocation for student assistance is fully funded.
Only K1 billion was earmarked from loan recoveries, despite a presidential directive on recouping funds.
"We urge the Government to prioritize the recovery of loans from previous beneficiaries of the scheme to ensure adequate resources for current needs," the statement said.
"Failing to do so risks creating deficits."
Looking ahead, YAS proposed expanding loan eligibility beyond university undergraduates to diploma students and other marginalized groups.
It also recommended amendments to enforce stricter repayment, introduce loan insurance and offer postgraduate financing.
"While we appreciate this positive step, it's imperative to address additional areas for improvement in higher education financing," said YAS Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka.
"YAS remains committed to collaborating...to ensure inclusivity, accountability and sustainability."