Desks to motivate pupils

Chauteka school management committee chairperson Wilson Ngwira says availability of desks at Chauteka Primary School in Karonga District will motivate pupils to remain in school.

He said this on Monday when a Lilongwe-based businessperson Wilson Sichali donated 15 desks worth K1.1 million to the school.

“Most pupils, especially girls fail to contribute in class during lessons. Desks also help pupils in senior classes when they are taking their examinations,” said Ngwira.

He, however, asked authorities to construct additional classrooms to decongest classes as the school has 812 learners.

Said Ngwira: “The situation is worse during the rainy season which makes it hard for learners to attend classes under the trees.

“We also want support to finish constructing a teachers’houses because out of the seven teachers’ houses at the school, only three are in good condition. The rest are in dilapidated form with huge cracks and broken roofs.”

Group village head Chauteka said they have bricks and dambo sand ready for constructing classroom blocks and teachers’ houses.

“However, I thank the donor for the desks. They will indeed motivate learners to remain in school,” he said.

The chief appealead to other well-wishers to support the school complete the projects to ensure children learn in conducive environment. 

In an interview, Sichali said the donation follows calls for help from community leaders.

“As a son of the soil, I am obliged to ensure that people in the area are provided with social amenities such as robust health and quality education,” he said.

However, Karonga District Council chairperson Isaac Kalambo, who is also the area’s ward councillor, acknowledged the challenges at the school and said he will take it up to the council.