Government has commended Standard Bank of Malawi and Press Trust for launching the 2024-2027 Secondary School Merit-Based Scholarship which will help top performing students from vulnerable families across the country attain secondary education.

Speaking at Loyola Jesuits Secondary School in Kasungu, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr. Rachel Chimbwete-Phiri, said the launch of this sponsorship is a message of hope for the students who will benefit from it so that they can successfully complete their studies and become responsible citizens.

“The investment made by Standard Bank and Press Trust in education sector will bring great benefits to young people and the nation because there is no better investment than education,” said Phiri.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer for Standard Bank Malawi, Philip Madinga, said the bank in partnership with Press Trust, started supporting top performing students in all the 34 education districts by giving them school fees, stationery, school bags, and welfare support to complement government’s effort in training reliable human resource.

One of the young girls who benefited from a similar program in the past, Glory Ndipo encouraged prospective beneficiaries to work hard in their studies and maintain discipline. Ndipo who scored 8 points from Providence Girls Secondary School attributed her success to the massive financial and moral support she received from Standard Bank Malawi and Press Trust scholarship program.

The 220 Million Kwacha worth program will run for four years and will benefit 46 students, including those with special needs.