Loka gives back: Renovation project begins at Chilaweni CDSS in Blantyre

One of Malawi’s well-known Masters of Ceremonies, Chris Loka, has launched a project aimed at renovating classrooms at Chilaweni Community Day Secondary School in the area of Traditional Authority Machinjiri in Blantyre, where he studied between 2004 and 2008.

Loka, who also founded the Mupacho Initiative—an organisation that motivates secondary school students and mobilises support for disadvantaged learners—said he decided to act after seeing the poor state of the classrooms at his former school.

Speaking during the handover of building materials to the school on Thursday, Loka said he was saddened to find that the classrooms had deteriorated, particularly the floors, which were badly damaged.

“As someone who once sat in these classrooms, I felt it was my duty to step in and help improve them,” he said.

Loka expressed joy that the renovation project has finally begun, noting that the school played an important role in shaping both his career and personal life.

“I’m delighted that the project has now started. I have always wanted to give back to this school because it is where my journey began,” he added.

Deputy Headteacher Maggie Mwalabu praised Loka for the initiative, describing his gesture as a strong example for others to follow.

“We are grateful that one of our former students, Chris Loka, has come back to support his old school. Many people forget where they come from, but he has demonstrated a commendable spirit. May God bless him for this wonderful contribution,” she said.

A Form Two student, Titus Chibaba, also expressed appreciation for the project, saying learners had been studying in dusty classrooms due to the damaged floors.

“We have been learning in classrooms filled with dust, which often caused flu and coughing. Some students even missed classes because of illnesses related to the dust,” he said.

“On behalf of my fellow students, we thank Chris Loka for remembering us. We have heard a lot about him, and knowing that he once walked through the same corridors motivates us,” he added.