Project Launch: 9-14-23

PACE for Change in partnership with the Chibanja School Parents and Teachers Association  (PTA) seeks $8,296.20 from World Connect to construct additional classrooms at Chibanja Primary School in Mzuzu, Northern Malawi. Currently, Chibanja Primary School has 4 teaching blocks that provide 8 classes for the aggregate enrollment of 1,137 learners by which the space is inadequate to accommodate  them all. Therefore, the new classroom block will cater for a safe and better environment for  over 200 learners that are currently learning in makeshift classrooms  and in  the process contribute to improving  the quality of their education.  

Project Update: 12-1-23

The shortage of classrooms at Chibanja Primary school in Mzuzu reached an alarming level as over half of its 1,137 learners learn in makeshift classrooms. This prompted Pace for Social Change in collaboration with the community to seek support from World Connect to construct an additional classroom block. Two months after funding,  the superstructure is at  ring beam level  and other critical materials have already been procured. When completed, all 1,137 learners at the school will be accommodated in a conducive learning space which will  motivate them to do better in classes as they will be protected from bad weather.

Final Report: 4-7-25

Pace for Social Change, led by Gibson Chisale, has successfully completed the construction of a two-room school block at Chibanja Primary School in Mzuzu. This transformative project has significantly enhanced the school's infrastructure, increasing the number of classrooms from four to six. As a result, 1,137 students now benefit from expanded learning space, with 282 students (148 girls and 134 boys) in Standards 3 and 4 directly benefiting from the new classrooms. Previously, these students were learning in temporary, dilapidated shelters made of timber, known as Vigwagwa in shifts. They now enjoy a safer, more comfortable learning environment.

The new school block has not only alleviated overcrowding but has also dramatically improved the student-to-teacher ratio, reducing it from 150:1 to 80:1, and in some classrooms, as low as 50:1. Additionally, the new classrooms protect students from rain and harsh weather, allowing for better focus and concentration during lessons. The school block also serves as a venue for  committee meetings, benefiting both the school administration and the local community.