Mzuzu University Sacco Builds K6M Fence for St. Mary's School for Visually-Impaired in Karonga

Malawi-St. Mary's School for the visually-impaired in Karonga has expressed gratitude to Mzuzu University Sacco for building a K6M fence as promised after a ground-breaking ceremony in October 2022, writes Wezzie Mwangonde.

The school's teacher-in-charge, Akimu Kayira, explained that the lack of a fence posed a serious challenge for the school, as children were prone to danger from people who could enter the premises at any time, and from livestock belonging to the local community, which could be found anywhere on the school grounds.

Additionally, the school is situated alongside a road where bicycles, motorcycles, and cars could potentially pose a risk to the students.

Kayira acknowledged that the fence has provided much-needed security for the children at the school, who are minors that require protection and care.

In addition to safeguarding the students, the fence has also protected the school's land from encroachment by the local community.

According to Catherine Mnthali, the Manager of MZUNI Sacco, the donation is part of the organization's social corporate responsibility, as they are concerned that children who have a passion for education are not adequately protected, especially in a school such as St Mary's, where some of the students are born with albinism.

She cited several incidents that could put these children at risk, such as cars veering off the road and coming dangerously close to the school's hostels.

Mnthali expressed her organization's commitment to continue supporting the school, as funds permit.

"We would like to do more as long as funding is available because we have passion for those kids. Being someone who has an impairment does not mean that they cannot do other things; they can, as long as they have our support," she said.

The donation of the fence has brought much-needed relief to the school and has allowed the students to focus on their studies without having to worry about their safety and security.