By Lekereni Chinkhota

Salima, September 8, Mana: Learners who have been selected to start secondary education from Salima North West constituency were in jovial mood after Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Enock Phale awarded them with financial assistance and school materials.

Speaking on Saturday during a sendoff ceremony organized for 34 learners who have been selected to national and district secondary schools, in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza, Phale committed to support the learners to excel well with their education.

He said it is unfortunate seeing bright learners failing to further their education to Secondary school due to financial challenges.

“I organized this function in liaison with my friends to award these learners who have made it to various secondary schools from my constituency. We are giving out gifts for them to start with, as they go to secondary school,” he said.

He added: “I want to empower and motivate the learners to continue working hard so that others should emulate the same energy. This financial support will cover the whole form one school fees for some.” He said.

Phale said the money has been divided into tranches for accountability purposes so that their parents should use to support the learners accordingly.

To show excitement about Phale's gesture, Deputy Head Teacher at Matenje Community Day Secondary School Solomon Nkhoma commended the support that has been rendered to the learners citing that it will motivate them to aim higher and chase their dreams.

“These events help students achieve their goals because it is a stepping stone for most of the students who are coming from typical villages where they had no access to such information and motivational talks. They have understood what they are going to do at secondary school.” He said.

On her part, Bridget Khezonga who has been selected to Lilongwe Girls Secondary School said the support she has received will help her settle down and never worry about anything as she commences her secondary education.

“This assistance will help me to work extra harder and I am grateful to honourable Phale and his friends for giving me this huge assistance that will brighten my secondary education. I am also grateful to my parents, God and everybody who had faith in me so that I can achieve my dreams.” she said.

Hope Sopo, who has been selected to Dedza government secondary school, said the support is timely citing that many learners from the area come from poor families who would not manage to get all secondary school needs on their own as the opening day draws closer.

“This assistance will help me to work hard in my education because I will lack nothing to achieve my dreams. I am urging people who have supported us to go and assist others as well so that many learners should get motivated through such assistance.” he said.

To spice up the event, Phale brought role models from the police, Malawi Defense Forces, Education and Salima District Hospital to motivate and inspire the learners.

Phale plans to institute the role modelling programme as a permanent tool to motivate and inspire the learners in the district.

Four learners who made it to national secondary schools of Lilongwe girls, Dedza government, Mzuzu government and Malosa have walked away with K1 million each as a startup for their secondary education with another K1 Million left to be given later.