By Burnett Munthali
The Joyce Banda Foundation International (JBFI) has officially launched its new initiative, the Empowering Future Girls Bursary project, with a substantial investment of K315 million. This program aims to provide educational support to 2,000 students across Malawi, including 1,000 university students from institutions accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and 1,000 secondary school students.
At the launch event, former President of Malawi and JBFI founder Joyce Banda emphasized the initiative’s significance, highlighting the growing challenges students face in securing funding for their education. Banda expressed her concerns regarding the financial struggles encountered by many university students and emphasized the necessity of this bursary in alleviating their burdens.
“I was deeply concerned by the financial struggles many university students encounter. This bursary is meant to ease their burden and allow them to focus on their studies,” Banda stated. Her commitment to empowering young women through education has long been a hallmark of her advocacy work, and this initiative is a continuation of that mission.
Thanks Elia Mwalwanda, the President of the University of Malawi Students Representative Council, also spoke at the event, encouraging recipients to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them. “This is a great chance for all the beneficiaries. I urge my fellow students to work hard and make the most of this support,” Mwalwanda remarked, underscoring the importance of diligence and perseverance in their academic journeys.
Since its inception 30 years ago, the Joyce Banda Foundation has been at the forefront of educational support, having assisted 6,500 secondary school students and 2,500 university students in their pursuit of education. The new bursary project reflects the foundation’s ongoing commitment to addressing educational inequities and promoting the empowerment of young women in Malawi.
As the Empowering Future Girls Bursary project rolls out, it is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of many students, providing them with the financial support needed to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.
