By Elywin Chighali Mhango
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has praised the Solon Foundation for its construction of classroom blocks, science laboratories, and teachers’ housing in several secondary schools within the Northern Education Division.
Wirima expressed her appreciation during a ceremony at Jenda Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Mzimba on Friday, where the newly built facilities were officially handed over.
“As a government, we are very grateful for the support we receive from the Solon Foundation.
“The infrastructural improvements they have provided across various secondary schools in the Northern Region complement our efforts to create effective learning environments for students and enhance the quality of education services, which aligns with the aspirations of Malawi Vision 2063.
“We encourage the Foundation to consider expanding this initiative to other educational divisions in the country to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving our 2063 goals,” she stated.
The Minister urged the school management committee, the community, and the students to take good care of the new facilities to ensure they benefit future generations.
“Improving school infrastructure directly enhances teaching and learning outcomes.
“Hostels are particularly important, as they provide accommodation for students and ease housing concerns while they pursue their education,” she added.
Wirima emphasized the importance of ongoing investment in education from both the Government and its partners, expressing hope that quality education remains a priority for all students.
During the handover ceremony, Solon Foundation’s Executive Director(ED), Willie Dhlandhlara, acknowledged the strong relationship between the Ministry of Education and the Foundation.
“These initiatives aim to facilitate students’ access to university education by addressing previous gaps, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the learning and teaching processes.
“By investing in these projects, we are investing in the development of better citizens who will become our future leaders,” he remarked.
Dhlandhlara noted that the Foundation has already invested USD 1.5 million into the infrastructural support for secondary schools.
The Minister was joined by Steven Chikopa, Director of Administration; Dr. Florida Banda, Director of Secondary Education; Jennings Kayira, Education Division Manager for the Northern Region; and other senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
