The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has won the "Shifting the Power" Inter-University Debates, according to Nyasa Times. Organised by the Tilitonse Foundation and the Media Institute of Southern Africa Malawi chapter, the competition asked students to propose development models driven by local leadership rather than foreign aid dependency. Minister of Education Bright Msaka spoke at the grand finale and commended the students for questioning traditional power dynamics in development aid. Following the victory, LUANAR Vice Chancellor Emmanuel Kaunda announced a K400,000 cash reward for each member of the winning debate team.
In Blantyre, media personality and Mupacho Initiative founder MC Chris Loka has launched a classroom renovation project for his former school, Nyasa Times reports. Loka donated building materials to repair damaged floors at Chilaweni Community Day Secondary School in Traditional Authority Machinjiri, where he studied from 2004 to 2008. Deputy Headteacher Maggie Mwalabu praised the contribution, noting that the upgrades will protect students from dust and improve the learning environment.
International support for female education is also continuing. According to MissionNewswire, Salesian Missions marked International Women's Day by announcing that donor funding has improved living conditions for 80 girls at Don Bosco High School in Malawi, helping them maintain their focus on their studies.
Update: The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) has set a March 20 deadline for its ongoing recruitment of exam markers, according to Ajira Portal Hub. Eligible primary and secondary school teachers must apply online to assess the upcoming Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination, Junior Certificate of Education, and Malawi School Certificate of Education papers.