Hundreds of children in Wataka Village, Machinga, will no longer study under trees. Thanks to Patience Namadingo’s K169 million school project, they now learn in fully equipped, electrified classrooms.
The project began on May 6, 2025, when the Musician promised to build a school block with two classrooms for local learners. Initially estimated to cost MWK 106 million, Namadingo and his team completed it with just K68 million, thanks to transparent management, youth participation, and strong community involvement.
The remarkable success drew further support as Hinton Eneya Banda donated K10 million, while Henry Dyton Mkunyu, a Malawian based in the United States, contributed K27 million for an additional classroom block. Their generosity expanded the project beyond its original scope.
Namadingo later built a modern office block for teachers who previously worked under trees. The new facility now houses offices for the head teacher and deputy, a staff room for 16 teachers, a storeroom, a learner treatment room, and an additional classroom, creating a more conducive environment for both teachers and students.
With additional support totaling K K44 million, the entire project now valued at K169.7 million, was completed in only three months, fully plastered, painted, and ready for use. It stands as a symbol of what unity and purpose can achieve when driven by integrity and community spirit.
To enhance learning conditions, Namadingo also facilitated electricity connection through ESCOM, enabling Standard 8 learners to study in the evenings as they prepare for national examinations. For many, it was the first time they could read under proper lighting in their own school.
Adding creativity and inspiration, Bongo Worldwide and Baraka Charity, through their “Happy Classroom” initiative, decorated the walls with colorful artwork, educational murals, and motivational messages, turning the classrooms into vibrant, engaging learning spaces.
For the people of Wataka, the impact is deeply personal. “I didn’t even know where to start speaking from,” said Chief Wataka, holding back emotion. “Looking at your age and the job you have done here, very parallel. You have changed our story.”
Reflecting on the journey, Namadingo said, “When people work together tirelessly, united and transparently, they do something wonderful, and this is my lesson from this project.”
