World Vision’s Impact at Mdika Community Day Secondary School in Malawi

World Vision has made a significant impact in Simwila Village, Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa, by constructing a girls’ hostel and a school library at Mdika Community Day Secondary School. 

 This initiative aims to reduce school dropout rates and empower young girls to stay in school. 

 Loyce Chembe, a 17-year-old Form 4 student at Mdika Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), expressed her excitement over the new facilities.

 She explained the challenges faced by girls in rural areas, such as long distances to school and domestic responsibilities that hinder academic success. 

“Most girls don’t finish school because we’re expected to handle household chores and take care of the family,” Loyce said. 

“We used to walk up to 14 kilometers to school. By the time we arrived, we were too tired to concentrate in class. But now, with the hostels, my only focus is school. I can attend class, do prep, and study effectively.”

 Loyce dreams of achieving 12 points in her Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) exams and studying agriculture at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

 She is inspired by the hostel’s modern design, complete with tiled floors, cemented walls, and individual beds, which has motivated many girls to return to school. 

 The new library has also transformed learning at Mdika CDSS.

 Bonface Chilembwe, a Form 4 student and head boy, shared how the library has improved his academic performance. 

“The library has a variety of books we need. It allows us to research and study beyond what we learn in class. It’s a game-changer,” he said.

 Bonface dreams of studying engineering at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas). 

 Mdika CDSS Headteacher commended World Vision for the development, noting that the girls’ hostel and library have significantly improved students’ performance and school attendance.

 “It was challenging before because students had to travel long distances, and many couldn’t focus in class. Now, the hostel keeps them close, and the library provides a conducive environment for learning,” he said. 

 The head teacher revealed that the school’s pass rate has greatly improved, with this year’s Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) pass rate reaching 86% and MSCE at 77%.

 Through such interventions, World Vision is not only empowering students but also shaping a desired future for the community.