Alumni rescue Lunzu Sec School

Lunzu Secondary School alumni have embarked on a number of projects to enhance performance and general welfare of students and staff at the school.

In an interview on Monday, alumni president David Magombo said the group was shocked with the poor state of the institution, saying the status quo is negatively affecting students’ performance during national examinations.

Said Magombo: “During our time, this school was a star performer, many students were selected to the university, but recently the standards have gone down.

“For instance last year only six students were selected to the university, and the end of term results for the forms one and three are so discouraging, this is why we have decided to intervene.’

He said after touring the school two years ago, they discovered that some students were sleeping on the floor due to inadequate beds and mattresses, while others were learning while seated on the floor.

The grouping has since contributed K2 million ($3 559) to repair about 300 desks, and plans are underway, according to Magombo, to start offering bursaries to needy students.

Magombo added the grouping has also introduced awards to best performing students and teachers with outstanding results on their respective subjects.

“We are also holding career talks to motivate the students, and we are planning to raise money to also rehabilitate the laboratory and buy new lab equipment” said Magombo.

Head teacher for the school, Perpetua Malitowe expressed gratitude at the various initiatives the former students and other stakeholders are undertaking.

“Indeed the condition of the school was pathetic, the students lost focus but am so thankful that now the hostels have been renovated, we have been provided with three hundred mattresses and with the coming in of these desks, I believe students will have no excuse,” explained Malitowe.

She said his office has introduced in service trainings for teachers, and are holding various meetings with students and parents to address some of the challenges that led to the dwindling of education standards at the school.

“I believe we all have a raw to play, the teachers, students themselves, parents and other stake holders involved, together we can make this school start producing competitive results on the national level,” Malitowe added.

Lunzu Secondary School opened its doors in 1985. It currently has 510 students.

*Matakali, Undaninge Village, T/A Wasambo, Box 174, Chilumba Karonga. *