Students at Katole Community Day Secondary School in Thekelani, Thyolo are stepping into a brighter academic future following the handover of a K150 million ICT laboratory and library, facilities set to transform their learning experience.
The infrastructure has been donated by Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), a consortium of four oil marketing companies, Puma Energy, TotalEnergies, Petroda, and Vivo Energy, as part of efforts to promote quality education and expand access to modern learning tools.
The new facilities are expected to significantly improve the school’s learning environment, especially in science and technology-related subjects, by giving students access to resources that were previously out of reach.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday, PIL Board Director Joseph Kerring described the donation as a meaningful investment in the future of young people in the area.
“This donation is a symbol of hope. It is a commitment to empowerment. It is a statement that our children deserve the best possible environment to learn and succeed,” said Kerring, who also serves as Managing Director of Vivo Energy.
He noted that the ICT laboratory will nurture innovation and creativity among learners by equipping them with practical digital skills needed in today’s world, while the library will help broaden students’ knowledge and strengthen academic performance.
“The library will open minds to new ideas, new opportunities, and new horizons. Students will discover knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom,” he added.
Kerring emphasized that while community day secondary schools play a crucial role in widening access to education in Malawi, meaningful progress depends on the availability of quality infrastructure.
He further urged students to make responsible use of the facilities and called on the surrounding community to protect the infrastructure for future generations.
Receiving the donation, Shire Highlands Education Division Manager Evelyn Mjima commended PIL for the gesture, saying the facilities will greatly enhance teaching and learning at the school.
“Our role is to utilize the infrastructure effectively while taking care of it so that even future generations can benefit from this donation,” said Mjima.
Katole CDSS Headmaster Edward Abraham expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the school had been struggling to deliver quality education due to limited resources.
