Acronis Cyber Foundation Program completes construction of a new school in Chibwe, Malawi

Chibwe, a small village located in Malawi, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the education sector. The construction of a new school has been completed through the collaboration between buildOn and Acronis Cyber Foundation Program, and it is now ready to welcome students.

Education in Malawi has been a significant challenge due to factors such as poverty, lack of resources, and limited access to education facilities. According to UNESCO, the literacy rate in Malawi is at 62%, with only 29% of the population having completed primary education. Therefore, completing the new school in Chibwe is a significant development in the region.

The construction of the school was made possible in July 2022 through a collaborative effort between the local community and a team from Acronis. The community of Chibwe contributed land and natural resources such as sand, water, and gravel to the project. A Project Leadership Committee consisting of six men and six women from Chibwe were selected to oversee the school building.

These incredible leaders not only helped to collect supplies, but they also organized crews to volunteer on the worksite each day. By the end of the project, the men and women of Chibwe had proudly contributed 4,637 volunteer work days to the building of their new school. The new school features two classrooms with sanitary facilities, and the classrooms are equipped with desks, chairs, and chalkboards.

The opening of the school is expected to have a positive impact on the community. It will provide a total of 897 children in Chibwe, including 230 who had dropped out of school previously, with access to quality education, which is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty. Education will not only provide children with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their lives, but it will also empower them to contribute positively to the development of their community.

Furthermore, the school will also create job opportunities for additional 3 teachers and will now have a total of 10 teachers, thus contributing to the region’s economic development. This is the first time the Malawian government has authorized the school to receive more state-trained teachers.

More students are still interested in joining. This is all because of the new school. Absenteeism has reduced, and hygiene in class has improved. The new desks have motivated the students so that they are not missing lessons, and they are also great for little kids!

Mrs Audria Banda, School Teacher

Completing the new school in Chibwe demonstrates what can be achieved through collaborative efforts between the community, government, and aid organizations. The school will not only provide children with access to quality education but also contribute to the social and economic development of the region. It is a step towards achieving a better future for the children of Chibwe as a whole.

Acronis Cyber Foundation Program welcomes individuals, groups, and companies to partner with us to work side-by-side with underserved communities to bring them hope through education.