In 1994, the Malawian government introduced free primary education, however, students who wish to attend secondary school (the equivalent of high school), are required to pay tuition. In a country where the average wage is less than $2 per day, often families are unable to bear the expense and obtain the education needed to stop the vicious cycle of poverty.
Taking Back Lives is committed to assisting students in achieving their hopes and dreams for a better future through secondary school scholarships. We have created the Student Scholarship program to connect sponsors here with individual students who are in need of financial assistance. Students are selected based on passing entrance exams, teacher and community recommendations, and financial need. Each individual scholarship recipient is closely monitored for success and sponsors will be updated regarding academic progress.
As secondary school is a multi-year endeavor, we encourage sponsors to consider yearly scholarship renewal for the duration of their student's secondary school education to make a long and lasting impact in their student's life.
Want to make a difference in a child's life through the gift of education? For $100, you can sponsor one of the deserving students pictured below for an entire year! If your interested in finding out how, e-mail info@takingbacklives.org.
Students waiting for Sponsors:
Benjamin Mwase
Birthday: June 13, 1994Grade: Form 3 (Junior in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Green
Everyday, Benjamin must walk, barefoot, 4km to school were he studies hard so that one day he can accomplish his dream of becoming a pilot. The child of a fisherman, Benjamin has one brother and one sister, both of which are in primary school. In his free time, he likes playing soccer at Kapanda, his secondary school. When asked why schooling is important, he replies that it is “the key to success” and that it will one day help him find a job.
Lonice Phiri
Birthday: May 4, 1993Grade: Form 2 (Sophomore in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Pink
Lonice lives in the village of Chitungulo with her parents and 4 siblings. She is very hardworking and one day aspires to become a nurse. In her spare time, she enjoys farming and playing netball with the other girls in the village. Lonice believes that education is an important tool in “finding your own needs to help yourself and your family”.
Sponsored Students:
Victor Chirwa
Birthday: Birthday: April 3, 1992Grade: Form 2 (Sophomore in High School)
Favorite Subject: Physical Sciences, Chemistry
Favorite Color: Blue
On average day for Victor typically wakes up at 4am and begins his 5km walk to school. Classes start at 7am, and although Victor wakes up earlier than most of his classmates, he typically finds himself being late to class because of the long distance he must walk. Victor’s home life is difficult as he is an orphan living with his handicapped grandmother. However, despite the challenges that Victor faces on a day-to-day basis, he is a very intelligent and optimistic boy who has aspirations of one day becoming a doctor.
Thank you to Howard and Karen Williams for sponsoring Lonice for this school year!
Paul Mulauzi
Birthday: July 25, 1992Grade: Form 1 (Freshman in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: White
Paul is a very intelligent 18 year old boy who managed to hold the #1 position in grade 8 while at primary school. When asked why he wishes to become a teacher, Paul responded, “I wish to develop my community.” Originally born in Zambia, Paul moved to Malawi following the death of his father to live with his grandmother. After standard 7, trouble with finances forced Paul to quit school and work in the fields for income. However, seeing his great potential, his headmaster was able to convince his grandmother of the importance of continuing his education and he was able to return. After experiencing financial woes within his family, Paul sees the importance of becoming educated in his future ability to one day be able to provide for his family.
Thank you to the Making Your Mark Club at Haile Middle School for sponsoring Paul for the remainder of his schooling!
Getrude Banda
Birthday: January 8, 1996Grade: Form 1 (Freshman in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Black
Gertrude’s great admiration for those in the teaching profession fuels her passion for one day becoming a teacher. After the loss of her father at a young age, Gertrude believes education is her gateway to one day be able to provide for her family. She also feels that education is important because it also allows her to speak with azungus (white people). In Gertrude’s free time, she enjoys going down to the river for a swim.
Thank you to Kelly Kolar and family for sponsoring Getrude for her entire secondary education!
Cosmas Phiri
Birthday: August 6, 1995Grade: Form 1 (Freshman in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: White
A very shy boy, Cosmas lives in the village of Mphimbi with his parents and five brothers. After seeing the success of his brothers once they completed secondary school and their ability to provide for the family, Comas feels inspired to follow in their footsteps. In his free time, he enjoys playing football on the Mazembe soccer team with his friends. Once he finishes his education, Cosmas wishes to become a teacher within his community where he feels he can have the biggest impact.
Thank you to the Venter family for sponsoring this student as a Christmas gift for Herm, Ruan, Zander and Mila Venter in South Africa!
Blessings Phiri
Birthday: February 2, 1995Grade: Form 1 (Freshman in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Green
Everyday, Blessings must leave two hours early for school as that is how long it takes him to walk there. When asked why his favorite subject is English, Blessings replies that he likes the fact that it is so international. In his spare time, he enjoys reading books from the local library and helping his parents out in the fields. Blessings wishes to finish secondary school because he feels that education is crucial in developing Malawi.
Thank you to the Venter family for sponsoring this student as a Christmas gift for Lise and Joe Swart in New Zealand!
Lydia Banda
Birthday: October 15, 1995Grade: Form 2 (Sophomore in High School)
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Green
Lydia Banda lives with her mother and two brothers in the village of Matete. Her father passed away when she was young, making it difficult for her mother to provide for her and her brothers. When she’s not at school, she enjoys playing netball and reading. Knowing full well that education will allow her to become self-sufficient, Lydia aspires to one day become a nurse.
Thank you to the Venter family for sponsoring this student as a Christmas gift for Cobus, Sarie, Jos, Susan and Jamie Venter in South Africa!
George Manda
Birthday: October 21, 1994Grade: Form 3 (Junior in High School)
Favorite Subject(s): Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology
Favorite Color: Green
The death of his father left George’s mother a single parent left to raise five children. Being the oldest sibling, George is the only one in his family that is in secondary school. To help pay for her son’s education, George’s mother is a farmer that grows maize and cassava, two of Malawi’s staple foods. George is a charismatic young boy who enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to music in his spare time. When asked why he thinks education is important, he responds “Education is important because Malawi is poor and education enables one to become self-sufficient and break out of poverty”. After completing his education, George wishes to become either an engineer or a doctor.
Thank you Brenda and Craig Wilson for sending George to secondary school for his remaining 2 years!
