Likuni Boys Student Forced to Leave School for Failure to Pay Fees

Malawi: Yohane Kamanga, an 18-year-old Form 2 student from Mchinji, has been forced to leave Likuni Boys Secondary School due to a failure to pay school fees, writes Bridget Mwanoka.

According to Assistant Social Welfare Officer for Mchinji District Council, Hanna Mangani, Yohane has no relatives who can be responsible for his education as his father died some years ago and his mother left him and his two siblings in Mozambique.

"Even though the school allowed him to study since Form 1, he did not make any payment as part of school fees, meaning the school was just keeping him. So from Form 1 up to now, he is supposed to pay K645,000," Mangani explained.

Despite efforts from the district council to provide Yohane with groceries, clothes, and transport, the office was unable to source the funds needed to keep him in school.

The fear now is that Yohane may not be able to sit for the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations.

Yohane is currently staying alone at Kamwendo Trading Centre in Mchinji and doing peace work to sustain himself. His two siblings are with their uncle in Kasungu.

For assistance, individuals can reach out to Hanna Mangani at +265 999 72 97 27 or the Secretary for Likuni Boys at +265 994 53 56 53.