Monthly Update From the Field: July 2024

Namunda Primary School in Mulanje, Malawi – Our July 2024 report highlights both the challenges and successes that our dedicated team, students, and partners continue to navigate in pursuit of providing quality education to children in rural Malawi.

Empowering Students with Essentials: Donate A Uniform

In July, we received an update from GAIA that 168 uniforms are needed to support our students, many of whom are orphans or vulnerable. Tailoring efforts began on July 15, ensuring that these children have the appropriate clothing to attend school with dignity. A uniform, often taken for granted, can be a lifeline—boosting confidence and fostering a sense of belonging among peers.

Every child deserves to go back to school feeling their best, but not every child has that opportunity. That’s why we launched our Back to School Fundraiser—an urgent effort to provide uniforms for the 168 students in need. Your donation of $20 can not only gives a student a uniform, but also the confidence and courage they need to thrive. Get involved by visiting https://www.upliftmalawi.org/donate-a-uniform.

Educational Achievements: End of Term 3 Exam Results

Our students continue to make impressive strides in their education. In July, 915 students sat for the End of Term 3 examinations, and we are proud to report an overall pass rate of 89%. This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work and resilience of our students, supported by the dedication of our teachers and staff.

However, challenges remain. Some students struggled due to absenteeism, lack of parental support, or a general lack of motivation. We recognize the importance of addressing these issues and are committed to working closely with families and community members to improve student outcomes.

Addressing Health Needs

Health remains a critical component of student success. Unfortunately, in July, the school’s regular health session did not take place, leaving a gap in the services that are essential to keeping our students in the classroom. We are, however, actively planning for the next session, as regular health check-ups and treatments are vital to the well-being and academic progress of our students.

The school also received 50,000 Malawi Kwacha for water pump units, ensuring that clean water is accessible, which is a basic necessity for maintaining a healthy school environment.

Looking Forward: What’s Next?

Looking ahead to August, our priority will be maintaining school facilities. Classroom tiles are scheduled for repair, and we are eager to ensure that our learning environment remains safe and conducive to education.

Additionally, July’s report showed that 123 boys and 132 girls at the school are classified as “needy,” and we are committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Celebrating Excellence

We are also excited to recognize the outstanding efforts of our staff. Grace Misiri, a teacher in Standard 1, was honored as the Best Performing Teacher in the Print Rich Classroom initiative, a project aimed at enhancing the educational environment through rich visual and textual displays. Her dedication to creating an engaging, supportive classroom for young learners is an inspiration to us all.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate these successes and address our challenges, we are reminded that this work is a collective effort. We invite you, our supporters, to continue partnering with us in building a brighter future for these children. Whether it’s through donations, sponsoring a uniform, or contributing to our health initiatives, every effort counts.

Donate now at www.upliftmalawi.org/donate!