Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from a report from MOH Malawi Executive Director, Dorica Kusamale, on the impact of the installation of libraries in the six MOH Community Centers in a program sponsored by Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church in Liberty Corner, NJ
The Libraries' Initiative has already enhanced the educational attainment of Ministry of Hope Students at all levels. For instance the results of the National Primary School Leaving Examinations showed that a total of 104 out of 112 pupils who sat for the Standard 8 examinations have passed, representing 93% pass rate. These include 44 girls and 60 boys. This is way above the National Pass rate of 77.4%. Out of these, 94 have been selected to various secondary schools which include both government boarding secondary schools, day secondary schools, and community day secondary schools.
In a related development, a total of 49 students out of 60 who wrote the Malawi School Certificate of Education Examinations have passed their examinations. This represent an 82% pass rate which is higher compared to the national pass rate which is at 50%. The successful students include 15 girls and 34 boys. A total of 10 Students are expected to try their chances with the University of Malawi Applications and the rest will be applying for Diploma and Degree Courses in various colleges and vocational training schools.
Furthermore, we also have breaking news in Chimwang'ombe Center. Out of the 11 students joining the University of Malawi this year, 3 are from Chimwang'ombe while the rest of the centers have either two or one student. This is a big impact for Chimwang'ombe center which has not been able to produce university students for a long time.
We are attributing this great success to the coming in of the Libraries in all the six centers that is encouraging students to read books and also to mentor each other.
Once again, thanks a lot to Paul Sigmond and the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church for the great contribution to the education of the students in all the six centers where Ministry of Hope is operating.
God bless you,
Dorica