In a remarkable highlight, the President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has been honored by the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology in the United States for his unwavering commitment to advancing education for the youth of Malawi.
The award, presented at the university’s campus in Hoboken, New Jersey, during the second annual Africa-US Presidential Forum on Thursday, 19th September 2024, recognizes President Chakwera’s transformative efforts in improving access to education and creating opportunities for the underprivileged.
This prestigious recognition comes on the heels of President Chakwera’s extensive work in the education sector, which has garnered praise both at home and internationally.
In his acceptance speech of the award, President Chakwera expressed deep gratitude to the forum and Nekotech Centre of Excellence for their dedication to youth empowerment. Over the past two years, his partnership with Nekotech has created educational opportunities for over 30 Malawian youth. For example, in October last year, President Chakwera secured a $100 million educational loan package from Princess Ocansey for Malawi students.
“I am honored and humbled by this award,” President Chakwera said. “However, seeing Malawi’s youth secure educational opportunities brings me even greater joy.”
Since taking office in 2020, President Chakwera has made significant strides in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by public university students in Malawi. Responding to the outcries of these students, who had previously felt neglected by the previous administration, the Malawian leader took decisive action.
In 2022, President Chakwera increased the student loan amounts from K200,000 to K350,000, a move that provided much-needed financial relief to the struggling students. However, as the economic landscape continued to shift, the president recognized the need for further intervention.
Demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of Malawian students, President Chakwera organized a Presidential Charity Golf Tournament in October 2023, which raised a staggering K450 million. This fund was then channeled to the six public universities in Malawi, covering the tuition fees of vulnerable students who had been at risk of dropping out due to non-payment of tuition fees.
But President Chakwera’s efforts did not stop there. In March 2024, he issued an Executive Order demanding that the upkeep allowances for all public university students benefiting from the loan scheme be increased. This order was swiftly implemented, and the Higher Education Students Loan and Grants Board announced the increase to K560,000 per student, effective April 1st, 2024.
These remarkable initiatives have not gone unnoticed, both at home and abroad. Stakeholders, including the beneficiary students and civil society organizations, have hailed President Chakwera’s enduring commitment to the education sector, recognizing his efforts as a true testament to his vision for the country’s future.
Collaborating with President Chakwera in his noble efforts, Princess Ocansey boosted President Chakwera’s efforts with $100 million in October 2023, towards the educational loan package for Malawian students.
The award from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology is a significant milestone, showcasing the global recognition of President Chakwera’s transformative impact on education in Malawi. It serves as a testament to his belief that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development and the key to unlocking the boundless potential of Malawi’s youth.
As President Chakwera continues to lead Malawi and inspire its people, this award solidifies his legacy as a champion of education, ensuring that the youth of Malawi and Africa have the opportunities they deserve to fulfill their dreams and contribute to the progress of their communities and the continent as a whole.
The Nekotech Centre of Excellence fosters educational ties between Africa and the US by placing students in STEM-focused institutions. Other awardees last Thursday included former Malawi President Joyce Banda, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II from Ghana, and Chipiliro Chisao, who received a Graduate Ambassador Award.
Stevens Institute of Technology ranks 76th among 439 US research universities and 25th among the nation’s most innovative schools, solidifying its position as one of the most highly rated US universities.
