Mzimba Secondary School head teacher Elias James has commended the introduction of K150 million bursary package under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), saying it will help needy learners to pay boarding fees.
He said learners from financially struggling families were at risk of dropping out despite having the potential to succeed academically.
James said previously some learners struggled to pay boarding fees; hence, the bursary will support them to attend public boarding secondary schools.
“The bursary will help needy learners remain in school. Some of these learners are at risk of dropping out because their parents cannot afford to pay boarding fees,” he said.
James urged beneficiaries to work hard and make good use of the opportunity to realise their dreams.
A parent, Eliza Mithi, welcomed the initiative, saying meeting boarding fees was a challenge for some families.
“This will reduce the burden on parents. Some of us struggle to raise boarding fees, so this support will give us relief,” she said.
Form Three learner Watipaso Nyirenda also welcomed the support, saying it has given needy learners hope.
“We are happy because this support has given us hope to continue learning,” he said.
Mzimba district commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu said the K150 million CDF education bursary was expected to ease financial challenges among needy learners while helping to keep them in school.
He said the council received the bursary funds and authorities will disburse them to needy students in secondary schools and colleges.
“In secondary school, the funds cater for boarding fees as tuition fees were already removed by government. In colleges, government will provide tuition and boarding funds,” said Bulukutu.
President Peter Mutharika’s administration abolished tuition fees in secondary schools and development funds in primary schools to enable needy children to continue with their education.
The free secondary education policy rolled out in January this year.
