By Steven Nhlane
Ethel Nkosi Foundation and United States-based Angels of Malawi have teamed up to support needy students in Dowa to complete their studies.
On Saturday, the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) represented by trustees of Ethel Nkosi Foundation presented awards to best performing students at Malunga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiwere in the district.
In his remarks, Ethel Nkosi Foundation trustee Mollen Longwe encouraged the beneficiaries to work hard, saying poor performance will disqualify them from the beneficiary list.
鈥淭hese awards are meant to encourage competition among yourselves. On top of what you benefit from the NGOs, those who perform exceptionally well will be receiving awards while poor performers may lose their chance,鈥 he said.
Longwe said the NGOs support 25 pupils at Malunga Primary School and four students at Malunga CDSS with school fees, uniforms and learning materials.
鈥淲e also have initiatives such as school meals and we train school management committees in maize and tomato production projects to foster self-sustainability,鈥 he said.
The awardees received scientific calculators, mathematical instrument boxes, rulers, pens and exercise books.
Malunga CDSS management representative Jimmy Jailos said the support has made a difference among the beneficiaries and has also motivated other students to work hard.
鈥淚t is painful when you see a bright student failing to progress because they lack resources. It was the case for these students who are now having less to worry about because they are provided with almost all education needs,鈥 he said.
Village head Malunga asked the two organisations to consider increasing the number of beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries were identified through a community member Henry Gwani who posts on social media about children in need of educational support from the area.