By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, February 13, Mana: As one way of promoting education and empowering young people to become future leaders, a Blantyre based youth-led organization, Makhetha Youth Friendly (MYF) had embarked on a mission of supporting underprivileged primary and secondary school students with school fees.

Programs Director for MYF, Yunusu Mussa told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, that they believe that every child deserves to go to school regardless of their background and no one should be left behind in the pursuit of education.

“Our focus is on students who have the potential of doing well with their education but are struggling financially, have special needs and those with disabilities,” he said.

Mussa said as a way of ensuring that the program is effective and meeting its objectives, they are working hand in hand with school administrations and teachers to be assessing the student’s performances.

“Funding comes from our fundraising activities, well-wishers which includes donations from individuals and other corporate sponsors. We also provide mentorship and guidance to our beneficiaries to help them achieve their academic goals,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, a form 3 student at Stance Independent Private School in Machinjiri, Eliza Lakalaka expressed gratitude saying that this is a huge encouragement.

“I was about to drop out of school due to financial challenges. Thanks for the support, now i can concentrate on my studies,” she said.

Under the program, MYF is currently helping 39 students in Makhetha Township, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapeni in Blantyre, with a target of reaching over 100 students by the end of this year.