HUNTER TRUST

Anastazia Chisambi

In Malawi, children begin Primary School at age 7 and must pass a Leaving Certificate Exam to be selected for Secondary School. While primary education is free, secondary education, lasting four years, attracts termly fees. Students can be chased from school for not paying their fees or not wearing the correct uniform and within the first few weeks many drop out as parents or grandparents cannot find the funds to support them.

After achieving four grade As and a B at Viyele CCAP Primary School in Luwinga, Mzuzu, Anastazia was selected to Luwinga Day Secondary School. Uniform costs for the year are 3320 kwacha (£12.00) and fees must be paid each term of 1500 kwacha (just £5.50). These costs represent a full months salary for a working adult and with families supporting on average six children, education is a huge expense.

With funding from WBS, Anastazia has begun her secondary schooling and must pass each year to progress onto the next, sitting a Junior Certificate (equivalent to year 9 SATS) after two years and the Malawian Certificate of Secondary Education (MCSE) to graduate after four years.