A new term has begun in Malawi and we can confirm attendance and exam results have hit new records at our 2nd School, Mikuyu Community Day School.
This was the school that in 2020 was faced with closure by the Government.
After 4 years of support from Malawi Schools Trust, 248 children ( up from 43) are attending school and 14 teachers( up from 3) are teaching a full curriculum.
On a recent visit, Headmaster Yamikane Mwasi said he was very proud of the achievements in the school and that the mood in the School was very good. He said “I am very pleased with the “after-school study circles” and the continuous assessment of all pupils we initiated last year. It made a big impact on learning outcomes for all the children. You can see that the attitude of children and teachers has changed. Everyone is motivated by the successes of the school.”
Personally, I am pleased about the number of pupils taking their final year exams . In 2020 only 5 children took the Malawi School Certificate Exam. Last year 27 took this exam and in 2025 we have 45 registered to do it. In another year the school will be at capacity.
Yami thanked MST for their physical support of materials and resources and for the mentorship from Oscar Mponda, Country Director of Malawi Schools Trust.
Oscar replied “ It’s been a team effort with teachers, tribal elders, Mothers Groups and PTA. Given that there are 4-year groups it takes 4 years to see a real impact in terms of pupils completing secondary school. Its really gratifying to see the results come through so strongly now.”
Oscar added “the School has come a long way in a short period. Form 1 and 2 are now full and I am certain this school will become a top performer in the area. It’s a great turnaround.
Other good news is that the additional income from pupil numbers and the hostel enables the school to operate on a sustainable basis. We will continue to provide “light touch” support to Mikuyu for the next few years so we can shift our focus to other needy schools in the District.
A key part of our continues support of Mikuyu will be a long term programme for menstrual products and training with all the Girls at Mikuyu. This will include providing all girls 2 re-useable pads every year.
As a Charity we have learnt a lot from our work with All Saints and Mikuyu and we are looking forward to expanding our work to other secondary schools in the area. “