Malawi ‘student support’ group formed to curb drop out at universities
A group called ‘Student Support’ has been formed to raise funds for underprivileged students who fail to pay their tuition and help them complete their education due to financial problems, authorities have confirmed.
A group opened a Facebook page to launch its social- media campaign after identifying a few students who were unable to go public university despite getting good points because they come from a very poor background.
“ We formed this group to raise funds to help these gifted disadvantaged Malawian students to achieve their dream of graduating from university which otherwise they would not have been able to achieve because of financial hardship,” one of the members, Anita Singini told Nyasa Times.
“Initially we raised most funds from members of the group …we also received donations from well wishers. So far we have managed to raise K1.5 million which has enabled us to pay fees as well as provide the necessary needs for three students from Bunda, the Polytechnic and Mzuzu University achieve this goal without hardship.
“We have also managed to provide other needs which includes clothes, shoes , pocket money as well as emotional support . “
Apart from the Facebook page, they also have a discussion Whatsapp group.
“There is transparency and accountability where well wishers are given regular updates on how much money we have raised, how this is spent,” she said.
“We currently support three students who are at University and we hope to support more in the future once we have secured more funding .We have managed to pay their school fees for 1 year. We have also been approached by more students unfortunately we do not have enough resources to support them,” Singini said.
The group has been formed at the background of press reports that 50 percent of students who enrol at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) fail to complete their education due to financial problems.
According to Luanar vice-chancellor Professor Kanyama Phiri, tuition fees for self-sponsored students at Luanar is K250 000 but students also need money for accommodation, food and learning materials,
University of Malawi (Unima) spokesperson Peter Mitunda confirmed students drop out cases due to financial problems
Support Student group is since appealing for well wishers to contribute to this good cause and contact them through Mrs Felia Malola (chairlady) Malawi +265991331233 Email : [email protected] Administration team Ona Katarina Mtunga +44 7403 952325 Anita Singini +4407900577330 Nitta Laws +265 993 93 59 07 Violet Memory Liwomba +265 999 38 51 51 Peggy Tembo +44 7741 498232 Pacharo Chinamulungu +447947893937 Catherine
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Well done for setting this up and I hope you will be able to raise a lot of money to support these bright students and our future leaders! For those that are able, it is an even better idea to assume full responsibility for a student. That way you can be sure both academic and maintenance requirements are sufficiently met now and in future. You can also mentor the student, something that a lot of these students lack. From experience, K750,000 per year (roughly) covers everything for one year for a student.
munazeru yayi tovwirengepo
At least someone is trying to do something
Kodi gulu ilo ndila azimayi okha? Nanga iwo sukudziwa kuti kuli Bursary Fund under National Council for Higher Education.
I think enough is enough with these stories and asking for donations. What have the former students contributed back to the society. Once more,the better solution is to give them loans. FULL STOP!!!!! To many poor people in my country and will get that donation and who will be left out???????????????