Inflation creates huge challenges
It’s only a few months ago that we were so excited to report that our Orphan Education Support programme had reached 100 students. Since the beginning of 2024 the cost increases in almost all budget lines in this programme have been between 30% and 100%. This includes things such as school fees, exam fees, school materials, transport and maize.
The overall impact of this will be a significant reduction in student numbers in September unless we can raise further funds. This is why we have launched an appeal to raise funds to purchase Maize for our students whilst the price is lower. The link to that appeal is: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/maize
We were very grateful earlier this year, one of our programme sponsors gave us a gift to purchase some extra maize and this was distributed amongst our most needy students. Daphney, our Student Support Officer wrote - ‘Our students are going through hard times. Most of the families are facing food insecurity and this leaves them with no choice but to go through the day with nothing to eat. Food security not only ensures good nutrition and overall well-being but also promotes academic success. To alleviate hunger, we provided maize to some of the students in need to enable them to focus on their studies.
We know that our education support programme makes a big difference. Esnart is one of our sponsored students and her dream is to become a nurse. She comes from an economically challenged background and family. Esnart's day starts very early when she does her household chores. She then walks one and a half hours to school, sometimes more. School starts at 7am and if she is late she is punished. By the end of her day following another long walk home she is really tired. Imagine adding to that a day without food. But, Esnart is committed and she gets to school no matter what. The bike was a recent surprise. She was overwhelmed with joy!
One of our new students this year is Eliza, she is a form one student who we are able to fund through the Coles medlock Grant. Eliza is the third born in her family and lives with her mother and step-father and her siblings. Both her parents are unemployed and survive on daily piece works when available. Her first-born sister left school early because of lack of fees and was married at an early age but Eliza calls herself blessed because she has had an opportunity that her sister wanted but never had. Eliza’s favourite subjects are English, Physics and Biology.
In March, Daphney organised a motivational workshop for our Blantyre students. The aim behind the workshop was to inspire our students as well as empower them to remain motivated despite their challenging circumstances. Daphney invited a motivational speaker who was once one of our students and is now working. Other guests included Mbedza colleagues who gave presentations on health including HIV and AIDS and life skills. Through the motivational workshop, we sought to instil resilience, self-awareness, confidence, and a positive mind hopefully equipping them with the tools they need to overcome life challenges and pursue their educational goals.