Since our involvement with Chalizya Primary School began in 2011 we’ve been witness to enormous improvements at the school. Some have come through modest programmes and some from larger capital projects. Today we bring you some news from the end of their second school term. The pupils in Standard 8 (the last year of primary education) have been sitting mock exams and getting their results.
How we’ve been involved through the years:
2011: Constructed/repaired 4 new classrooms.
2014: Menstrual kits for girls to enable attendance.
2017-18: Borehole advocacy/supply with local MP.
2018: Constructed/repaired 7 new classrooms.
2018: Solar power for lighting after-hours.
2022: Providing desks through local fabricators.
2024: Develop staff facilities and library.
2026: Income generation through farming.
Ongoing:
- Teachers’ accommodation improvements, for staff retention.
- Achievement awards to children performing well, for motivation.
- Tree planting, for food, shelter and sustainable environments.
Fifteen years ago only one child from the school had progressed to secondary school – the nearest one at the time was in Mtunthama, 25 miles away. It was a chance meeting with Sapulain Chitonde, that child, who brought us to working in his remote home village.
Whilst the government can and will supply teachers, and school itself is free, there are lots of barriers to education in Malawi. Poor income means you can’t attend if you can’t buy uniform or books. Cultural attitudes and no access to sanitary products mean girls can lose a week of education every month if their cycle keeps them at home. Poor facilities means teacher recruitment and retention in the more remote schools can be difficult. A hand-to-mouth existence means children have to stay and help on the farms during harvest; or have a choice between collecting water from a remote borehole or going to school today. Over-crowded classrooms limit capacity; classrooms without roofs mean school is out when it rains.
We reflect here on the impact of one of the simplest and cost effective initiatives running throughout the year. Our partners give modest awards to the highest performing students in each year group, three times a year (at the end of each term). Our team at Medicom Foundation regularly engage with the school, raising attendance and motivating pupils with rewards for high achievement. They report as follows:
Children in this year’s cohort rank highly at district level.
The awards have brought motivation and competition amongst the children to achieve well, as evidenced in their hard work and this year’s results. Providing awards every term helps keep the children motivated.
Depending on funds available, rewards can include stationery, instruments, calculators, shoes, umbrellas and bags, and are age-appropriate across the school. Some of these might be considered ‘luxury’ but the popularity of shoes as a reward demonstrates the basic need in the village.
School staff and even the group village headman are excited about the initiative and thankful for the gesture. Their feedback reveals improvement in performance and attitudes, as well as attendance.
On a larger scale, last year saw 15 pupils being selected for secondary school, making Chalizya the top-performing school for sending numbers of pupils to secondary school. This access to higher levels of education is one of the key and most obvious impacts of our work with the school since 2011.
From small to large, every project is aimed at removing barriers to education. With you along the journey, we’re making a difference to children year on year; to communities one step at a time.
Thank-you.