PROJECTS

restored hope for orphans and vulnerable children

PUBLISHED: 18 FEBRUARY, 2024 AUTHOR: M&E DEPARTMENT

FOCUS with funds supported by Tom Popp a Rotary Volunteer who is based in the United States of America has a bursary scheme for orphans and other vulnerable students targeting boys and girls in every year. The project catchment area covers all T/A’s in Karonga and other districts in the Country. Students get recruited in the scheme using the designed Need Based Assessment Tool which each student fill to apply and attach an approval letter from the chief of respective village. The scheme supports both secondary and tertiary students in various public and private institutions in Malawi such as College of Medicine, Chancellor College, Malawi College of Accountancy, the Polytechnic University, and Technical Colleges.

Education Support

Education support covered tuition fees, food and accommodation, transport, laptops, Phones and upkeep as per student capacity assessment. Students’ performance and conducts were monitored in collaboration with designated officials in their respective institutions and through Parents and Guardian Committee. The project also provided counselling and guidance to students for them to concentrate on studies and be able to manage time and other resources purposely.

Parents of Beneficiaries

FOCUS through Parents and Guardians Committee mobilized some resources to well-wishers to cover the gap due to an increasement of school fees in different institutions and other extra basic needs of education. This was after looking on how much it was needed to bring a smile in a needy student. The mobilized resources were in form of agricultural raw produce (maize and rice) contributed by parents and guardians as per their own wish and agreement to support a student and also in form of money contributed by FOCUS staff and other well-wishers in Karonga district.

output/ outcomes

1. 

   

   
   Four tertiary students (2 girls and 2 boys) successfully completed their programs in 2023, contributing to a cumulative total of 58 graduates (24 girls and 34 boys) since 2006, showcasing the project's long-term impact on higher education attainment.
2. Ninety-nine secondary school students (47 girls and 52 boys) completed their education from 2006 to 2023, underscoring the project's success in fostering academic achievement and graduation rates.
3. Twenty graduates (13 girls and 7 boys) secured employment opportunities, demonstrating tangible outcomes in enhancing livelihoods and socioeconomic empowerment. Several beneficiaries also received internships from governmental and non-governmental organizations, further enhancing their professional development.
4. Nineteen students benefited from the 2023 budget allocation, with 13 students pursuing tertiary education (8 girls and 5 boys) and 6 students attending secondary school (4 girls and 2 boys), highlighting continued investment in educational advancement.
5. Twelve students, comprising 7 tertiary students (4 girls and 3 boys) and 5 secondary students (4 girls and 1 boy), continued their studies from 2022 to 2023, showcasing sustained educational support and retention efforts.
6. Currently, 27 beneficiaries (14 girls and 13 boys) are benefiting from the 2023 academic fees budget, with 7 students enrolled in tertiary education (4 girls and 5 boys) and 18 students attending secondary school (10 girls and 8 boys), highlighting ongoing support for educational endeavors and academic advancement.