Marist Brothers distribute digital library devices in seven schools

Malawi: The Marist Brothers of Malawi, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, have distributed electronic library devices to seven schools as part of their efforts to promote access and quality education in under-resourced schools, writes Watipaso Mzungu.

Likuni Boys Secondary School in Champagnat Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) and Marist Secondary School in Dedza, St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Balaka, Zomba Catholic and Mayaka Community Day Secondary Schools in Zomba, and Msalura and Mafco CDSSs in Salima have all received the devices.

Brother Francis Jumbe, National Provincial Councilor for the Marist Brothers in Malawi, stated that the religious congregation received funding from the Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI) for the implementation of two projects whose main goal is to address barriers that prevent underprivileged and non-boarding students, particularly girls, from accessing education in Malawi.

Jumbe stated that one of the components of the two projects - Girls Empowerment and New Horizons Projects - is the distribution of tablets and internet routers to beneficiary schools.

Victor Sibale, Desk Officer at the Central West Education Division (CWED), praised the Marist Brothers in Malawi for the initiatives they are undertaking to supplement government efforts in addressing gaps in the education sector after receiving the devices at Likuni Boys Secondary School on Friday.

Sibale expressed delight that Marist Brothers is establishing digital libraries in underserved schools.

"E-libraries have also proven to be the most effective in filling the "huge gap that exists in our school libraries." Aside from ensuring that all learners have access to educational materials, e-libraries ensure that there is no interruption in education, as was the case when countries were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic," he explained.

Dr. Lawford Palani, District Commissioner for Lilongwe, praised the Marist Brothers of the Roman Catholic Church for initiating various interventions aimed at improving the quality of education in Malawi.

Palani, the event's Guest of Honour, identified poverty as one of the barriers to education for many Malawian children.

He stated that the Marist Brothers' interventions in Malawi would thus be critical in addressing gaps in the education sector.

"These interventions are very important not only to the beneficiary districts but also to the nation because Marist Brothers are doing everything they can to provide quality education to every child, regardless of their financial background. As you are aware, education opens up many doors of opportunity in life," said the District Commissioner.