Projects

Ambassador Bodde Launches School Desk Project

United States Ambassador to Malawi Peter W. Bodde has launched a Self-Help Project at Phalula Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Balaka District.  The project aims to improve education quality through the provision of desks that will help to motivate pupils to remain in school and concentrate on their studies. 

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Bodde said shortage of desks and other facilities is a hindrance to students’ attempt to improve their lives through education.   He said the project would improve lives of students because “students can learn better, and stay in school longer, if they have a comfortable and productive environment in which to stay.”
Ambassador Bodde underscored the significance of education to every community by saying that “the education of our children is critical to breaking the chains of poverty and creating opportunities for sustainable growth within the community.”  He applauded the self-help spirit shown by the community surrounding the school, saying such initiatives instill a sense of ownership among the people.  He said, “the American people are happy to help people who help themselves.  And today, we come together to celebrate this common effort and to applaud the great spirit of community self-help.” 

South East Education Division Manager Mac Gregory Alufandika extolled the U.S. Government for supporting efforts to improve education in Malawi saying “Government alone cannot afford to adequately provide all the ingredients required to improve the quality of education in Malawi.”
Head Girl for the School, Charity Nkolesya said learning while seated on a desk was a major boost to students at the school.  She pledged that students would care for the desks so that they last a long time. 

Phalula CDSS is a government institution with 258 students and 12 teachers.  It has four classroom blocks and three student hostels.  Construction for the school structures was funded by the German Government, but classrooms did not have desks and students sat on the bare floor to learn. 

This prompted the community, with help from Peace Corps Volunteer Stephen Rawls to apply for support from the American Government, through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund.  Initially the school requested 200 desks but the Malawi Government provided 100 and the United States Government has provided the remaining 100 desks worth over $2,000. 

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help fund was established in Malawi in 1966.  It seeks to address urgent development needs at the local community level and demonstrate U.S. interest in the welfare and self-help endeavors of local communities throughout the country.  Categories of projects funded under Self-Help fund are Water, Environment, Health, Environment, construction, Equipment and Income Generating Activities.  The fund has provided over US$3 million (over MK440 million) since 1966.