Often times we hear of community involvement in infrastructure development projects and so on.
Here we share a classic and unique story of community involvement in improving education standards. It took few people and a seemingly small idea that has turned out to be a great idea.
People in the villages that cover Bilila Education Zone decided to form a Trust which they call Bilila Education Zone Trust. The aim is to encourage primary school children to work hard and support those who get selected to conventional secondary schools but cannot afford school fees. Despite high poverty levels in the area, the people believe they can achieve a lot by working together as a community. Their motivation is that every child in the community is an asset for the community and responsibility to educate them should not only be for the family but the whole community.
Chairperson of the Trust, Group Village Headman Holla argues that they noted the area is poorly represented in all economic and social spheres of life. He narrates,
“We observed as a community there are very few people in teaching service, police service, agriculture and other extension services departments. When you go up the ladder, it is even more disappointing. We cannot count economists, lawyers, medical doctors, accountants and you name them.” He continues, “We also realized that education does not only benefit the educated person, it benefits the whole community. With more educated people in the community, we will be able to fight against early marriages and rapid population growth that is threatening our environment and food security. We will also combat diseases, jealousy and improve governance- when you are leading educated people, it is much easier because they understand things better.”
Secretary for the Trust, Jack Mtenje who is also Headmaster at Kambuku Primary School says: “When the Trust started, we conducted sensitization meetings during which we assured parents and pupils that there would be possibility of support on fees for those who get selected to conventional secondary schools. In addition to that, we introduced a meritorious award in which we awarded best 5 pupils at zone mock examination. That triggered hard work and for the first time in many years we have children selected to schools such as Dedza, Mtendere and Ntcheu secondary schools.” Mtenje shares an example of a child who has been selected to Mtendere secondary school. “This child almost dropped out. He could not afford to pay for mock examination fee and it was a well wisher within the community who helped. If that had not been done and that we had not instilled hope of fee support, this child would be out of school by now.
Trust’s Treasurer, Mr. William Ntchito explains that the Trust is still in the process of registering so that they can seek support from organizations and companies. He says so far it is the community members who have been contributing little resources. Further, the Trust has identified a 3.5 acre piece of land to plant ground nuts as income generating activity. They are also planning to construct a Nursery school as another source of revenue.
Bilila Education Zone Trust is in Senior Chief Makwangwala in Ntcheu.
The zone covers the following schools; Mpotola, Tambala, Kambuku, Nkhongwe, and Bilila.
