African Parks Majete Wildlife Reserve has finalised the disbursement of K9.5 million to five primary schools in Chikwawa and Mwanza districts under its schools support programme to empower communities around Majete Wildlife Reserve.
In an interview on Monday, Majete Wildlife Reserve community development officer Dixie Makwale said African Parks sets aside money every year for education support and agriculture programmes.
He said the investments are part of complementing government’s efforts towards realising the long-term development plan, Malawi 2063.
“Support for education and farming directly supports the development strategy because educated and food-secure citizens are the foundation of the Malawi we want,” said Makwale.
The beneficiary schools this year are Kambadwe, Vimvi, Kandewu and Kankhulungile in Chikwawa and Kachere in Mwanza.
At Kambadwe Primary School in Sub-Traditional Authority Golasi, African Parks also donated 20 desks and renovated a school block.
One of the teachers, Madalitso Kathotho thanked the organisation for the support.
“Many learners were dropping out due to lack of desks,” he said.
In agriculture, the organisation is supporting 400 households in fish, banana, maize and honey production.
Golasi Village Development Committee chairperson Samuel Kamtsitsi said farmers have so far realised K4.5 million from fish sales.
African Parks, which co-manages Majete Wildlife Reserve with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, supported farmers with four solar pannels to enhance access to energy for various activities in the areas
