Schoolgirls in Balaka could soon see their education transformed through a project designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to learning.
A new girls’ hostel and staff houses planned for Njerenje Community Day Secondary School in the district, are expected to improve learner safety, reduce dropouts and create a better environment for both learners and teachers.
The development follows a K1.2 billion joint commitment by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, Press Trust and the Malawi Government. NBM plc has pledged K800 million, Press Trust K400 million and the Ministry of Education K20 million towards the construction of a 112-bed girls’ hostel and additional staff accommodation.
Speaking at a signing ceremony earlier in Lilongwe, NBM plc Chief Operating Officer Masauko Katsala said the intervention was driven by direct engagement with the school community during an earlier visit.
Katsala said during the visit, learners, teachers and community members outlined challenges they were facing, making it clear that additional support was needed, particularly for accommodation for both learners and teachers.
“After assessing the situation with our partners, we concluded that returning to support infrastructure development was necessary, especially to improve learning conditions through a girls’ hostel and staff housing,” he said.
Press Trust Trustee Professor Moses Maliro said the project places learner safety at the centre of education outcomes.
“A safe learner is a successful learner. When girls are provided with secure accommodation on campus, we reduce the risks they face when travelling long distances and create an environment where they can fully focus on their education,” said Maliro.
The Ministry of Education welcomed the partnership, saying it aligns with government efforts to reduce infrastructure gaps in Community Day Secondary Schools across the country.
The Deputy Director of Secondary Education, Samuel Chibwana, said the initiative complements ongoing national program aimed at expanding and upgrading secondary school facilities.
“We appreciate the support from our partners at Njerenje CDSS. As government, we are encouraging more stakeholders to join in improving Community Day Secondary Schools so that learners across the country can access better learning environments,” said Chibwana.
The project is expected to improve attendance and retention of female learners while also addressing teacher shortages by providing essential on-campus accommodation.
