Pempho Kantayeni
Lilongwe, April 17, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Thursday disbursed K600 million worth of cheques to beneficiaries of the Presidential Charity Initiative.
K300 million was presented to country’s six public universities of UNIMA, MUBUS, MZUNI, MUST, LUANAR and KuHes with each getting K50 million to cover tuition fees for needy students.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) received K300 million for the reconstruction of Muona Primary Shool in Nsanje which was washed away by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Chakwera emphasised his government’s commitment in empowering the youth.
He said the charity initiative is an investment that will enable youths to move from being dependent to self-reliant individuals.
“This is an investment necessary for the human capital development for enabling the achievement of an inclusively wealth and self-reliant nation hence an investment in education goes a long way in securing a sustainable future for the nation,” hhe said.
Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila, said through the initiative the future of students is in safe hands emphasizing government’s commitment in developing youths in the county.
“The number of needy students receiving loans has increased from 13,000 to 33,000 in the past five years. This is evidence that government prioritizes the development of youth through education by making sure that no student is left behind,” she said.
A student from LUANAR representing fellow needy students, Tamanda Kumwela, said education is a right and financial barriers should not hinder anyone from achieving it.
She commended the President for stepping in to support underprivileged learners.
Kumwela expressed gratitude on behalf of all representatives of needy students from the six universities, thanking the president for the gesture.
“We do not take this for granted. Investing in students is investing in the country’s future,” she said.
The Presidential Charity Initiative raised K609 million through the golf tournament that was held at Limbe Country Club in Blantyre in October 2024.
