Facebook comment leads to full scholarship for Lilongwe girl

A young lady based in Lilongwe-Ntandire, Bridget Chimaliro, 21, has been awarded a full scholarship by Maranatha Private Academy after her Facebook comment praising the school caught the attention of the owner, Ernest Kaonga.

In a post by Makosana page which was appreciating uniform for Maranatha Girls Academy students, Bridget went on to agree with the post adding that she wanted to buy a similar uniform which she can just be wearing and brag to people that she studies at the institution.

In her comment, she went on to ask: “Kapena ndi mulandu kuvala uniform ya eni ake, (or is it a crime to wear other school’s uniform)?”

When he came across the comment, Kaonga who is the managing director for the highly ranked private academy went on to offer her a full scholarship, covering all expenses until the completion of her secondary education.

“I was happy to read her comment of appreciation about our school as well as her wish to wear our colours. Honestly, I did everything to trace her so that I know her and make sure she lives her dream to wear a Maranatha uniform.

“I believe she deserves this opportunity and I hope she will make the most of it. Now is her time,” said Kaonga.

Kaonga has however said the academy is in discussions with the girl’s guardians to finalise scholarship agreement with their ward.

Under his institutions, Kaonga has been offering secondary education opportunities to both boys and girls from different backgrounds especially the needy as part of complementing the government effort to develop education.

In June 2022, Maranatha Private Academy pledged to provide full scholarships to 40 female students from Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) and other schools, in support of Malawi’s first lady Monica Chakwera’s education initiatives.