How transformative can education be?

Hear it from the students who just completed their first year of secondary school at Andiamo in Malawi through the BTG scholarship.

Before sharing their testimonials we would like to note that we are proud of what every student from the first cohort accomplished. We are grateful for the opportunity to help build their future success.

The words of the students

“The first year of scholarship was a big challenge for me, especially in the first term. I felt a lot of pressure as i was not used to this new environment and experienced some mental stress.

Consequently, I was not able to concentrate on my studies. I also had some days of sickness that made me lose some classes.

Fortunately soon I made friends who helped to get integrated in the new school and to feel at home.

We shared stories and folktales that made me feel better, and also helped to improve my English communication skills.

My mentors also played a major role in helping me to adapt to the new academic environment through constant safe spaces and psychological support.” Vitumbiko, 16

“It was good, I learnt the new life of the boarding school, no anymore house work like at home and walk long distances to reach the school, time for studies, group work, playing netball” Edith, 14

“I loved playing netball, best sport for the girls” Shanifa, 15

“I have seen things I never saw, like entertainment (Cineforum, graduation, career guidance) that changed my motivations and started to work even harder.” Catherine, 15

“I really enjoyed the food, with an improved diet. I want to change my life, and the school helped me because through life skills, the teacher told us about the life of a person and the care of the environment, avoiding deforestation, and avoiding pollution. I also learnt respect for elderly people. “ Joana, 14

“It was a nice year because I managed to pass my exam. I liked sports activities, netball, athletics and spiritual moments. I Improved my health as I have more good nutrition. Sports and good habits improved my physical fitness.” Cecilia, 14

“Good experience, cause I found good quality education, and behaviour was good from friends and teachers. They were punctual in class for lessons. Education that I want to share when I go to my rural village with others that did not have the same opportunity.” Sylvia, 16

“I am happy with the first year scholarship. I improved my English and this will help me get a good job when I graduate. It is my favourite subject.” Charity, 15

“I really feel good because when I came here I found friends with whom we shared stories about our culture and how to preserve it, by respecting, wearing Hijabu, long dresses to go to mosque, and feeling respected for my religion.“ Siyami, 16

“I appreciated the good education level, and sports activities. I also loved the practical lessons in biology and chemistry and I learnt that matter is made of particles.” Rachel, 15

“It was fine because I was able to make good friends that behaved nicely to me, I was humanely treated well. I also had fun, and when I needed my teachers were able to assist me and support me when I was not clear with something. This made me feel at home, and be free when I had something to ask. I wake up early in the morning as I want to improve my position.” Praise, 14

“Good school with good facilities and food security compared to when I was in the village where I was eating only once a day. We had all the time needed for studies too. Movies really impressed me as it was the first time I saw a movie on a big screen and at high volume. AVATAR taught me how I can live better with others.“ Ruth, 17

“It was difficult in the beginning, as there was a lot of competition, as it was the first year for me to live in a boarding school.

But I managed because I am seeing the right part of the competition and I want to use it to improve my academic performances.” Memory, 18

“Work hard to pass the exams. We had the opportunity to meet students from other schools, like the Jacaranda Foundation Students who really impressed me with their cultural dances and music.” Maria, 17

“Classes were intensive and that gave us the opportunity to learn effectively. When I was in primary school I had to walk 2 hours to reach school.I can’t wait to be back in December for the second year.” Bridget, 15

“The Woman King movie was good as the woman was stronger than the men. I made more friends, with which we were able to cooperate in studies. My friends helped me when I was not understanding something in class. They really helped me. Different cultures and religions were really appreciated.” Shakira, 17

“I really learnt more about physics and chemistry that will help me in my future career as I have the dream to become a nurse. Had the opportunity of making friends and singing Gospel Songs. We made a group called “Great Voices Group” with 12 other friends.” Favour, 15

“I am the first person in my family to access boarding school out of 7 children which makes me proud. I really enjoyed mathematics and equations managing to get more than 70% in the test and this will help me follow my dream of becoming a Bank Manager, but I failed in religious studies and history.” Idah, 16

“The school schedule allowed me time for my spiritual exercises and prayers. I really like social studies, because It helps us to understand more about what is happening in Malawi politics, what are the political parties, elections and voting rights.” Pemphero, 17

“I will be back because I have good teachers and I want to learn more, mathematics, physics, chemistry, geography, biology. I was sick during the last exams and I wish to improve.” Babra, 14

Our commitment

We reinforce our commitment to empower the next generation of women leaders and we are proud to announce BTG’s continued support to the extraordinary work of Andiamo Trust in Malawi.

Andiamo secondary school selected the second cohort of BTG scholars in July, who will start secondary school in September.

We wish good luck to each and every student that has been selected, certain that they will make the most of this opportunity!