By Suleman Chitera
Former President Arthur Peter Mutharika has once again demonstrated his enduring commitment to education and faith-based development by donating K1.5 million towards the education of students studying in various seminaries under the Mangochi Diocese.
The donation was announced by Minister of Transport and Public Works Feston Kaupa during the colourful 68th birthday celebration of Montfort Sitima, held in Mangochi. The event, which drew clergy, political leaders, and community members, also featured a fundraising luncheon dedicated to supporting seminarians.
Speaking at the event, Kaupa applauded the Catholic Church and the wider religious community for their critical role in shaping values, promoting education, and contributing to national development. He emphasized that investing in education—particularly in training future religious leaders—remains a cornerstone for Malawi’s moral and social progress.
The fundraising drive attracted overwhelming support. Kaupa personally contributed K1.1 million to cover the full annual education costs of one seminarian, while Minister of Information Shadric Namalomba, himself a former seminarian, donated K1 million. Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by the two ministers and Mangochi Municipality Member of Parliament Rodrick Chiwaya, also rallied behind the cause with generous contributions.
The gesture by Mutharika and other well-wishers was met with appreciation from church leaders, who said the support would significantly ease the financial burden faced by seminarians and strengthen the Church’s mission of nurturing disciplined, educated, and service-oriented leaders.
The Mangochi event stood not only as a celebration of Bishop Sitima’s life and service, but also as a powerful statement of unity between faith, leadership, and community in advancing education and national development.
