How classroom furniture is transforming education in Malawi

At Mwenyekondo Primary School, in the heart of Malawi's capital of Lilongwe, a quiet revolution is changing the lives of learners. The arrival of 400 new desks has turned what were once bare, dusty classrooms into vibrant hubs of learning and opportunity. For the school’s 3,260 students, many of whom had never experienced the simple privilege of sitting at a desk, this change represents more than just furniture—it is the beginning of a brighter future.

For years, Mwenyekondo’s learners faced an uphill battle. Their classrooms had no desks or chairs, forcing them to sit on the cold, hard floor. In this environment, learning wasn’t just a challenge—it was a daily struggle. 
Eleven-year-old Linga Major, a Standard 8 learner, remembers the ordeal vividly.

“During the rainy season, the mud from our shoes would make the floors dirty. We had no choice but to sit on the dirt. In the hot season, the floor would be ice cold. We’d often shiver through lessons, and many of us would catch a cold. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was painful and distracting. Now, for the first time in six years, I can sit comfortably at a desk and focus on my studies,” Linga explains, her voice a mix of relief and excitement.

Linga’s story reflects a widespread crisis in Malawi’s education system. The Ministry of Education estimates that 3.4 million primary school learners across the country lack desks. For many, this means sitting on dirt floors, balancing books on their laps, and trying to concentrate despite the discomfort.

Deputy Head Teacher Dalitso Wachepa recalls the dire situation Mwenyekondo faced before receiving the donation.

“Before we received this donation, we only had 122 desks for the entire school, however, these were only enough for two classes. It was heartbreaking to see the majority of our students struggling on the floor every day,” Wachepa shares.

Through the Kids in Need of Desks (K.I.N.D.) Fund—a partnership between UNICEF USA and MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell—schools like Mwenyekondo are receiving much-needed desks. Since its inception in 2010, the initiative has delivered over 385,000 desks to schools across Malawi, impacting the lives of more than 1.5 million learners.

Twelve-year-old Israel Chimkwita is among those whose lives have been transformed.

“Sitting on the floor made it so hard to learn. I had to hold my notebook on my lap, bend awkwardly to write, and try to focus on the teacher all at the same time. By the end of the day, my back would ache, and I’d feel exhausted,” he recalls.

Now, with a desk to support him, Israel’s experience in the classroom has improved dramatically.

“My handwriting has gotten better, and even my teachers have noticed! For the first time, I feel confident that I can do well in my Primary School Leaving Certificate exams. I want to become a scientist, and now I believe that dream can come true,” he says, his eyes shining with determination.

Deputy head teacher Wachepa observes that the desks have had a profound impact on learners’ attitudes.

For 13-year-old Priscilla Chilikutali, the new desks have brought both comfort and dignity.

“Before, my uniform was always dirty, and my mother would scold me. She couldn’t understand why it got so dirty every day. I also dreaded standing up to answer questions because we had to hold our uniforms to avoid being teased by the boys. It was humiliating and made me feel small,” she shares.

Today, Priscilla walks into the classroom with her head held high. The desks have not only eased her physical discomfort but have also restored her confidence and pride.
 

The school’s leadership made deliberate decisions about how to distribute the desks.

“We prioritized the upper classes because we want to mould the students so they get used to desks and understand the exam sitting plan. By the time they are taking their exams, sitting at a desk will feel natural to them. We are sure that by the end of 2026, we will have good results because of these desks,” Wachepa states confidently.

For teachers, the desks have been a game-changer in ways that go beyond comfort. Standard 8 teacher Moshi Chimtaya explains how the new furniture has transformed her ability to teach effectively.

“Before the desks arrived, it was chaos trying to manage a classroom. Learners were cramped on the floor, constantly shifting to find space. It was nearly impossible to supervise their work, let alone help those who were struggling. Now, I can move freely between the desks and give each student the attention they need,” she says.

When the desks first arrived, they sparked immediate joy among the learners.

“There was happiness all around because the learners knew their lives had changed,” Wachepa recalls with a smile.