By Suleman Chitera

A remarkable act of unity and generosity has transformed learning conditions at Chadza II Primary School in Mpingu, Lilongwe, after members of the Number 9 WhatsApp Group donated and rehabilitated 90 school desks valued at K4.5 million.

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The desks were officially handed over to the school on Sunday during a presentation ceremony attended by community leaders, teachers, and learners.

Speaking during the handover, the group’s Chief Administrator, Valentine Bandawe, said the initiative was inspired after members came across reports on Facebook showing that learners at the school were attending classes while seated on the floor.

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“We were touched after reading on Facebook that more than 400 learners at the school had no desks and were learning under difficult conditions,” said Bandawe.

“What surprised us most was that despite these challenges, the school produced outstanding Standard 8 examination results last year, registering a 100 percent pass and selection rate, making it the best performing school in its division.”

Bandawe explained that after engaging school authorities, the group discovered that the school had 95 broken desks that had remained unusable for years.

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“That is when we decided to rehabilitate the broken desks instead of buying new ones. With K4.5 million, we could only purchase about 20 brand new desks, but through repairs and rehabilitation, we have managed to provide 90 desks at the same cost,” he said.

He added that purchasing 90 brand new desks would have cost approximately K22 million, considering that one desk costs around K250,000.

Headmaster Austin Mgawi described the donation as a major breakthrough for the school, saying the desks will significantly improve the learning environment.

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“These three-seater desks will help about 270 learners out of the school’s 450 pupils,” said Mgawi.

“I arrived at this school three years ago and found no usable desks. There were only broken metal frames dumped in one corner, showing that desks had not been available for many years.”

Mgawi thanked the WhatsApp group for responding to the school’s challenges and restoring dignity to learners who had endured years of sitting on the floor during lessons.

Senior Group Village Headman Gideon also praised the initiative, describing it as a powerful example of national unity and patriotism.

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“It is inspiring to see that members of a WhatsApp group, most of whom are based in Blantyre, decided to support a school in Lilongwe,” he said.

“This teaches us that as Malawians, we are one people regardless of region or district. Development should not depend on where someone comes from.”

The Number 9 WhatsApp Group, which has 77 members, has been commended for demonstrating how social media platforms can be used positively to address community challenges and improve the lives of vulnerable learners.

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The donation is expected to greatly improve classroom conditions and enhance concentration and academic performance among learners at Chadza II Primary School.