By Phillip Pasula
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The First Lady, Monica Chakwera, has urged Malawians to join hands in reaching out to needy students who may drop out of school because they lack fees for their education.
Madam Chakwera, who has always been a champion of education through her Shaping Our Future Foundation, made the remarks at Mzuzu Government Secondary School on Thursday during a mentorship visit to the school.
“Failing to finish secondary education is a very big problem. I therefore appeal to everybody who can help to please do so.
“It would be a shame for us as a country to see a girl child selected to Mzuzu Government Secondary School, for example, failing to pursue her studies because she has no resources,” said the jovial First Lady.
During the visit, the First Lady donated 20 computers, 150 chairs, 50 bags of maize as well as 59 dining tables.
Speaking to journalists, Secretary for Education, Mangani Chilala Katudu, said initiatives such as those of Shaping Our Future Foundation are helping a lot in alleviating the situation where some students fail to continue their studies due to lack of financial resources.
“In terms of human resource capacity building, Malawi 2063 looks at our youth as a source of capacity and capability to contribute to the development of our nation. As a ministry, we would like to thank a number of institutions, NGOs and individuals that are already doing that.
“It’s critical that we reach out and touch those that are in need of support so that they don’t drop out of school,” Katundu said.
Headteacher for Mzuzu Government Secondary School, George Chunga, hailed Shaping Our Future Foundation for the visit and the timely donation.
Said Chunga: “We are very thankful for the donation. The computers will help teachers to finish the syllabus in time and they will also ease administration of examinations.
“As for the maize, you are aware that a healthy student is one that works well and hard. Our students needed tables to be used when eating.”
One of the 28 beneficiaries of Shaping Our Future Foundation at Mzuzu Government Secondary School, Uchindami Nyirenda, told Maravi Post that it was a privilege and honour to be visited by the First Lady.
“Some of us nearly dropped out of school but the First Lady came to our rescue. The tables and chairs have come at the right time. We used to take our meals while sitting on the floor. We will now be sitting on new chairs and tables when taking meals,” Nyirenda said.
Shaping Our Future Foundation is currently working in all the districts across the country, supporting over 2,500 students.