Project Launch: 9-5-22

Led by Luchier Chikopa, a Flame Tree G-studio graduate, At-The-Mortar ( Pamtondo) Social Enterprise with work with Makande Community Day Secondary School Management Committee in Thyolo District, to construct a science laboratory at the school. The $7,434.83 laboratory will  contribute to increased performance of students in science subjects and increase career options for the students. A total of 524 students will benefit every year while teachers will find it easy  to conduct practical lessons in a safe and secure manner.

Project Update: 11-18-22

Two months after receiving funding from World Connect, At-The-Mortar (Pamtondo) together with the Makande community have used 60% of their total funding of $7,434.83-, to raise the laboratory structure to ring roofing level. The project is remaining with installation of iron sheets, windows, doors, flooring, plastering, and painting. The coming of this Laboratory which is a first of its kind in this community, is set to improve the performance for 524 learners especially in science subjects.  This is what Yasinta Phiri a 15 year old form 2 had to say, “I am so curious to see how this science Laboratory will look like and how we are going to use it because I have never seen a science Laboratory before. I am sure I will learn new things.”

Final Report: 8-30-24

The Makande CDSS Science Laboratory was established to provide students with a fully equipped facility for hands-on learning in physics, chemistry, and biology, improving the quality of science education. A year after funding, the laboratory now serves 439 students, 60% of whom are girls, enabling them to participate in practical science lessons. Since the lab's introduction, the school has reported an increase in pass rates among form four students compared to 2022. Biology improved from 60% to 78%, Chemistry from 38% to 88%, while Physics saw a slight decline from 60% to 54% in 2024.

Ernest Bwanali, a 15-year-old Form Three student, expressed his excitement: "I am so happy that we now have a laboratory. I performed well in Biology during my JCE because I could do practicals." Similarly, Diana Namoyo, a 15-year-old Form Four student, shared her confidence: "I am sure I will do well in my MSCE this year. We can now mix chemicals in the lab, and I will work hard to achieve my goals."