Safeguarding, Training and Empowering Malawi (STEM) has donated school bags and stationery worth K3 million to 166 underprivileged children at the Kwithu Community Based Organization Orphanage Centre in Mzuzu.
The donation is part of the ‘Bags4All’ campaign, which was designed to ease the challenges that vulnerable children face in accessing essential learning materials.
Speaking in an interview after the donation, STEM founder Sandra Mtaula said the initiative underscores that education is a necessary key for breaking poverty.
She said: “This initiative is dear to our hearts as we seek to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the necessary resources for their education. We believe this contribution will go a long way in supporting these children’s academic journey.”
Mtaula also extended her gratitude to the campaign’s partners saying they wouldn’t have it without them.
“We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our dedicated partners—Serenity Garden, Steady Printers, Do Your Part, and Rhema Foundation. Their contributions have made this possible, and we are incredibly thankful for their support,” she said.
One of the recipients, Rose Juba, shared her feelings of joy and hope.
“I feel so happy and grateful for this donation. It has given me hope that I can continue my studies without worrying about the lack of school supplies. I now have a school bag and the necessary materials to help me succeed. Rose’s words reflect the emotional impact that the donation has had on the children,” she said.
Wezi Ngwimba, the programmes director at the Kwithu Community Based Organization Orphanage Centre, also expressed appreciation for STEM’s efforts saying the donation is timely.
“This donation is a great blessing to our children, and we are deeply thankful to STEM for their support. However, it is important to note that there are still many more children who need help. While this is a significant contribution, we hope that more organizations and individuals will come forward to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.”
Ngwimba emphasised the ongoing need for assistance, acknowledging the challenges faced by the orphanage in meeting the needs of the children they care for.
