Florence-Before receiving support from CCDO, I frequently missed classes due to unpaid school fees
Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) is implementing a bursary support programme aimed at assisting underprivileged secondary school girls who are unable to afford school fees, helping them remain in school and complete their education.
One of the beneficiaries is Florence Namakhwa, a 17-year-old learner at Masambanjati Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Thyolo District. Florence, who is currently in Form 3, has been a beneficiary of the programme since Form 1, when she began her secondary school education.
Before receiving support from CCDO, Florence frequently missed classes due to unpaid school fees, putting her education at serious risk. Through the bursary initiative, CCDO now covers her school fees, allowing her to attend school consistently and focus on her studies without the constant fear of being sent home.
In addition to paying school fees, the programme provides learners with essential learning materials to support their education. Florence has received school bags, school uniforms, exercise books, school shoes, and sanitary pads, ensuring she is well-prepared, comfortable and able to learn with dignity alongside her peers.
Florence is among 18 girls benefiting from the CCDO bursary programme across Thyolo and Mulanje districts, all selected due to their vulnerable backgrounds and limited access to educational resources.
The support has brought renewed hope to Florence and her family. Her mother, Emily Namakhwa, expressed deep appreciation for the assistance, noting that her daughter is now more focused, motivated, and confident about her future.
“Before CCDO stepped in, my daughter missed months of school because we could not afford the fees. Now she attends school regularly and is determined to succeed,” she said.
Teachers at Masambanjati CDSS have also observed positive changes in Florence’s academic performance and emotional well-being since she began receiving bursary support. They say the stability provided by the initiative has enabled her to fully engage in learning and regain confidence in her abilities.
By removing financial and material barriers, CCDO’s bursary support programme has protected Florence from the risk of school dropout and early marriage, while opening a pathway for her to complete her education and pursue her dreams.