Member of Parliament for Thyolo-Goliati Constituency has given a life-line to 16 primary schools in Goliati education area after offering funding to primary school awards.
The awards, which cater for outstanding primary schools learners, best performing-teachers and their schools, failed to be offered due to lack of funds.
But the MP alongside his family members based in the US; Mphatso Namwali, Jeremy and Mary teamed up to respond to a call the awards committee made in September last last year.
This made it possible for 49 learners selected to Dedza, Mzuzu Government, Lilongwe Girls, Luchenza and Thyolo Secondary Schools, to be rewarded alongside their teachers and top schools.
They received a travelling bag, 1 kilogramme of powdered washing soap, 1 kilogramme of a packet of sugar complete with K5,000 cash.
Speaking during the ceremony held on Saturday at Matapwata Day Secondary in Goliati, Thyolo MP Namwali said education plays a key role in contributing to the socio-economic well-being of people.
She appealed to the learners to aim higher and keep the legacy of President of Malawi Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and his brother Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, the third President of Malawi.
“This area has produced great people, including two of Malawi Presidents; the current Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and the late Bingu wa Mutharika. As, a female, you should take me as model. This is because we took education seriously,” said Namwali.
She commended her family for supporting the initiating, saying it goes down to the values they embraced from their late parents Major General Buxton Namwali and Effie Namwali.
Primary Education Advisor for Goliati area Christopher Nasenya commended the MP and her family as the awards would motivate the learners and teachers to work hard.
He said most of the schools that have done well, have put in place measures to ensure that the students do well.
Nasenya cited extra lessons during odd hours and days such as on Saturday and Sunday.
But he appealed to the MP and well-wishers to consider providing a printer to ensure that learners use printed examination papers.
Austin Humphrey, who was selected to Dedza Secondary School, said he was grateful because his parents cannot afford to pay fees as well as buying him such basic needs.
