Think Malawi is pleased to announce that we have raised over £11,500 for Mthawira Primary Schools’ 2 new classrooms that have just begun construction and that will be further furnished with desks. This important project, being managed on the ground by our local partners at Umodzi Youth Organisation (UYO), will address the urgent need for better educational facilities at the school.
Meeting a Critical Need
Mthawira Primary School has faced long-standing challenges due to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of appropriate learning spaces. As a result, many students have been forced to study outdoors, often in difficult conditions. This project aims to provide a safe, comfortable learning environment for 120 students, which will enhance educational outcomes and empower the local community.
As a Veronica Mapunda- The Projects Officer. from Umodzi Youth Organisation (UYO) explained,
"There is an urgent need for improved educational infrastructure in the area, which has been hindering the learning experience for hundreds of students. By constructing these two new classrooms, we aim to improve the educational environment, increase access to education, and support the growth and development of the community."
Project Details and Fundraising
The total cost of the classroom block is £12,000, and an additional £3,700 is required for the desks. The project’s success has been made possible by the generous support of our donors and community partners.
The crowdfunding campaign Building Classrooms, Building Futures raised over £2,700 with over 40 different supporters meanwhile other charity efforts made a significant contribution to the funding of the classrooms.
LFT Charitable Trust for their generous grant of £5,000.
Tom Robinson Gamgee, who completed Ironman Barcelona and raised over £2,000, including £1,000 in match funding from Maclands.
Our trustee Andrew Baker, who raised over £2,000, including Gift Aid, through his sponsored half marathon
Without all this support, this project would not have been possible and Think Malawi would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all involved. Co-Chair Steve McInerny voiced this stating:
“We’re delighted to be able to complete the funding for this vital project. It’s the largest project that we’ve completed in many years, we believe it will make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children over the lifetime of the classrooms. Of course we couldn’t have done it without the help of our supporters, donors, volunteers and partners, it was a big team effort!”
Looking Ahead
Construction on the classrooms has already started and is expected to take 4-6 months depending on weather conditions. With local materials being sourced, local labor employed in the construction, and local involved by UYO in meetings and committees the project has and will foster a sense of community ownership and contribute to the local economy.
The classrooms maintenance will be handled by a school committee and UYO doing regular maintenance checks. Alongside this UYO have promised a five-year maintenance fund and that training for local staff and community members will also be provided to ensure that the facilities are maintained properly over time.
These classrooms will provide a lasting benefit to the students and the broader community, creating a more effective learning environment, increasing teacher morale, and contributing to job creation and economic growth through local labour recruitment.
Think Malawi is proud to be part of this transformative project, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring to Mthawira Primary School and the surrounding community.
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