Excitement about construction at Mpondamwala

With a population of over 800 students, Mpondmwala Primary School rural Lilongwe is one of many rural primary schools experiencing challenges on having a good learning environment for children. The school lacks infrastructure, and 4 classes have their lessons outside.

During the raining season, the children are unable to continue with classes, as they get soaked in rain, and learn in cold weather conditions in the winter, thus demoralizing learners to attend school.

“As of now (before school closures due to COVID-19), teaching at the school has not easy because there is poor sanitation, not enough classrooms, high absenteeism and no teachers houses,” explains headteacher, Mr. Gladson Chipyola.

However, there is a found new hope for the Mpondamwala, as UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Education are set to soon start construction as part of the Living Schools project. Mpondamwala will soon have new classroom blocks, an administration office, rehabilitated shelters, teachers houses, as well as new toilet blocks for learners and teachers.

Mr. Gladson Chipyola cannot contain his excitement. “I am very happy that there is progress on the construction. I don’t think it will completely disrupt learning when school commences. I think our enrolment will also increase because learners will be motivated,” says Mr. Chipyola. The community is equally looking forward to the construction.”

The school will also be getting solar power electricity, and nearby communities have been encouraged to work together to plant trees and flowers on the school campus, a key aspect of the Living Schools Project.

 “The solar power will help us in many ways. The students will be able to use it for their evening studies, and teachers will have ample time to prepare for classes,” he says with optimism. “We’ll also make sure to put by-laws that restrict animals coming on to campus and sensitize our learns to make sure the planting that will be done on campus will not be destroyed.”

The Living Schools project aims to increase access to quality basic education for Malawian children by making schools more resilient to climate change. The living schools project works at the transformation of the school environment into an attractive learning and eco-friendly environment that address food security and address environmental issues.  In addition, it seeks to improve access to quality education with resilient teachers, students and communities.

Mpondmwala already boasts of an impressive pass rate, even under their current circumstances. Last year all 26 standard 8 students passed their primary school leaving certificate exams. Additionally, over 7 boys and girls also got selected to secondary school.

 Mr. Chipyola is confident that the Living School Project will boost the school’s academic excellence even more and provide them with a steppingstone for a bright future for children. “I feel that when we get a conducive learning environment, the children will have a chance to go far with their education.”