By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, September 11, Mana: Shire Highlands Development Trust, through its "Edukans" project, has provided school materials to top-performing students selected to various national and boarding secondary schools under the Mpinji Zone, as a way of motivating them.

The donated items included suitcases, hardcovers, instruments, soap, and varying amounts of money based on student performance.

Presenting the materials on Tuesday, the Secretary General of Shire Highlands Development Trust, Limbani Nsapato, said the initiative aims to inspire both learners and teachers to improve their performance.

"This support will help the students excel at the secondary school level, potentially leading them to progress to the university.

"It also serves as motivation for teachers to continue equipping students with the skills needed to achieve high grades, which can earn them further recognition and rewards," said Nsapato.

Nsapato further emphasized the Trust's commitment to supporting educational programmes across the region, including Thyolo District.

The Coordinating Primary School Advisor (CPEA) for the district, Evelyn Kanyidzira expressed gratitude for the organization’s support, noting that it serves as a significant encouragement for the students to strive for excellence.

"We are here today to celebrate your hard work and dedication. We are grateful for uplifting Mpinji Zone to be among the top-performing zones. God truly rewards those who diligently pursue their goals, as demonstrated by your achievements today," said  Khanyizira.

Khanyizira also urged teachers, headteachers, and Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) to continue their efforts of providing quality education in the zone and throughout the district.

One of the best performers from Naming'omba Primary School Rodwell Chimwaza , who has been selected to Robert Blake Secondary School expressed gratitude to his parents and teachers for their support.

"I am grateful to my parents and teachers for their encouragement and support. I am thrilled to be going to one of the best secondary schools in Malawi. It has been a challenging journey, filled with hard work and sleepless nights, but I am proud to have made it," said  Chimwaza.

He also encouraged his fellow students to remain committed to their studies and avoid engaging in immoral behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and premarital sexual relations while in school.

Mpinji Zone achieved an impressive 87 percent pass rate, making it the top-performing zone in Thyolo District.

The top three primary schools in the zone are Maonga, Mbandanga, and Naming'omba, with pass rates of 100 percent, 99 percent, and 95 percent, respectively.