LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has applauded President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse government for raising the university student upkeep allowance from MK350, 000 to MK560, 000 per student in the Minister‘s of Finance
winding up speech on the 2024/2025 budget.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 signed by CSEC board Chairperson and Executive director Limbani Nsapato and Benedicto Kondowe respectively says, “While slightly below the MK600, 000 advocated by CSEC, this bold decision reaffirms the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting the
educational aspirations of our youth”.
“This adjustment recognizes the financial hurdles students encounter during their pursuit of higher
education and aims to alleviate these challenges.”.
CSEC adds, “By bolstering the allowance, the government cultivates an environment where students can excel academically without the burden of financial
constraints.
“The decision stands to benefit students nationwide, particularly those from disadvantaged
backgrounds, by granting them improved access to crucial resources such as food, accommodation,
and study materials”.
CSEC observes, “Ultimately, this enhancement has the potential to elevate their academic performance and overall well-being.
“Hence, we encourage the recipient students to embrace this generous provision responsibly,
viewing it as a catalyst for advancing their education”.
The coalition says, “Furthermore, we emphasize our unwavering support for the Higher Education Loans and Grants Board (HELGB) to intensify its efforts in loan recovery, thereby mitigating the strain on taxpayers.
“It is imperative that this fund implements a robust strategy for long-term sustainability”.
“Moreover, going forward, the government should be proactive rather than reactive in adjusting the upkeep allowance, taking into account prevailing socio-economic conditions such as inflationary pressures, emergencies, and other pertinent factors,” reads the statement.
CSEC expresses therefore gratitude for the government’s proactive approach in addressing the
needs of university students and fostering an inclusive educational environment.
“We urge all stakeholders to continue collaborating to ensure that every student can realize their full potential
and make positive contributions to society,” CSEC appeals.
Students bodies from University of Malawi (UNIMA) and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) also lauded Chakwera’s gesture.