By Brian Wasili
Mwanza Secondary School has awarded 42 students with cash prizes and assorted school materials in recognition of their outstanding performance in the 2024/2025 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations, with points ranging from 12 to 25.
Speaking during the award ceremony held over the weekend, South West Education Division Manager, Feggie Mphasi Mwale, said the division found it important to celebrate excellence in academic achievement. She added that recognising high-performing students serves as a motivation to those preparing to sit for the MSCE in the 2025/2026 academic year and in years to come.
“I urge the rest of the students to emulate the hardworking spirit demonstrated by the outgoing students so that the school continues to be visible on the academic map,” said Mwale.
She further commended Mwanza Secondary School management and other school structures for organising the event aimed at celebrating students’ outstanding performance.The Division Manager also hailed parents, guardians and Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central Constituency, Felix Njawala for patronising the event which she said was first of its kind in the districts under South West Education Division.
The division covers Mwanza, Neno, Blantyre Rural, Blantyre Urban, Chikwawa, and Nsanje districts.
Out of the 83 students who sat for the MSCE examinations as internal candidates at the school, 79 passed, representing a 95.5 percent pass rate, while 71 students, translating to 85.5 percent, have qualified for public university selection.
The top-performing student received K250,000 in cash, while those who attained 25 points received K10,500 each, in addition to other assorted items.
The awards were made possible through contributions from the Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central, Felix Njawala; Atlanto Security Company Services; beneficiaries of the Campaign for Female Education (Camfed); and Mwanza Secondary School alumni, who collectively donated cash and assorted items presented to the 42 awardees.
Top-performing student Stephano Nicholas, who aspires to study medicine, emerged the best with 12 points and commended Mwanza Secondary School for recognising outstanding academic performance.
He said the assorted school materials, including A4 hard covers and hampers, will serve as a starter pack as he prepares to begin tertiary education.Njawala, who was the guest of honour at the event, pledged K500,000 to each student who will attain between 6 and 9 points in the 2025/2026 MSCE examinations.
The parliamentarian acknowledged the numerous challenges facing Mwanza Secondary School and other institutions within Mwanza Central Constituency.
“With the Constituency Development Fund, we will do all we can to ensure that students are provided with a conducive learning environment,” said Njawala.
Outstanding Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) students and teachers were also recognised with prizes during the ceremony.
Mwanza Secondary School was established in 1971.
