By Wellington Sibale

Neno, February 13, Mana: Tiyanjane Youth Club of Neno has donated learning materials to Chipundu Primary School in the district in a bid to promote quality education for underprivileged learners.

The club, through its member contributions, donated 75 exercise books and 25 pens to 25 learners.

Speaking Tuesday, the club's chairperson, Bright Khungwa, said the donation was meant to promote learner’s education so that they stay in school.

"We have a vision to help learners; we urge them to work hard to fulfil their dreams and become future teachers, advisers and ministers, among others. This will be achieved if they work hard in their education," Khungwa said.

He, therefore, urged other organisations to join the drive to reach out to as many learners as possible in the district.

Tiyanjane Youth Club plans to donate to three other primary schools in the district.

Chipindu School Headteacher, Frank Eliya, observed that many learners lack learning materials at the expense of their pursuit to quality education.

"This is a difficult place; many parents are unemployed and providing for their children’s education is a struggle so having clubs like Tiyanjane will help us to develop future leaders," Eliya said.

He appealed to other stakeholders to help the school as government assistance is not enough to cover needs of the whole school.

Group Village Head Chapita thanked the youth organisation for the gesture saying the donation will help learners in their education.

He lamented that the school does not have adequate shelters for school feeding programme after another collapsed due to heavy rains.

One of the learners, Joshua Chawawa who is in Standard Seven, commended Tiyanjane Youth Club for the gesture saying it was timely and will address some of their educational needs.

Neno District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali, hailed the club's initiative which, he said, is in line with Malawi 2063 and the National Youth Service Programme.

"We want to change the public mindset towards the youth. We want to promote youth patriotism. For a long time, young people have been regarded as less important in society but what Tiyanjane Youth Club has done will help rebrand youth’s image in the district, in particular, and Malawi as a whole," said Sukali.