Latest news on FOCHTA’s students

1. Student News

We are very happy to have a fifth university student graduate recently. Aaron Mwafulirwa has just completed a 4-year course at the College of Medicine, obtaining a B Sc (Physiotherapy). We started supporting Aaron from his first year at secondary school. This is the second beneficiary to have graduated this year. The other being Brenda Jeremiah who obtained her B Sc (Nursing & Midwifery). Brenda is now a nursing officer at the Trinity Hospital in the Nsanje District.

Funali Malata, who obtained his diploma in Clinical Science, is now working as a clinical officer in a government hospital.

Chifuniro Mawindo, 19, is starting his studies at end of June, a four year course, in Business Communication at the Polytechnic University. He is sponsored by Michael & Karen Gutman in Australia.

Ronald Zimba is about to do a carpentry course being sponsored by David Lakes, a carpenter in Australia.

Taona Stanford is learning electrical installation sponsored by Bob & Caith Dixon.

Frank Foster is about to study General Building sponsored by Jane Rothschild.

Six FOCHTA beneficiaries have this month obtained their diploma in primary school teaching and have already secured employment at government primary schools.

There are currently 16 students now studying at universities being supported by us.

Student Samuel Muhondo has sat for University of Malawi’s admittance exam and is waiting for results.

2. Empowerment Program for Girls

This was recently held in the home of Zione Matale, finance officer of FOCHTA. 7 girls took part in an all day workshop conducted by Zione, Jillian Hopkins and Mphatso Chimbelenga. Topics covered were an attempt to:

-      lower drop-out rates due to pregnancies, etc.

-      improve learning skills

-      improve their self-esteem and enable them to cope better with life challenges, such as pressure from boyfriends and family

-      to discuss with them problems they may face.

During the day, discussion times were interspersed with sports and games. Breakfast and lunch were also served.

3. Literacy Program for Primary School Students. FOCHTA is holding each week in its office library a reading program for primary school children. This is conducted by staff and senior students. Stories are read to the children, who are then asked to summarize stories with discussions following.