By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a bid to ensure that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has entered into a partnership agreement with Smile Life Insurance Company to provide scholarships for needy students.
The initiative, which aims to support students throughout their degree programme, has been lauded by MUST Vice Chancellor Address Malata as a means to alleviate the burden of education expenses for those who need it the most.
The partnership between MUST and Smile Life Insurance Company comes at a crucial time when the cost of higher education continues to rise, making it increasingly difficult for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education.
With the MK9.6 million scholarship fund set aside by Smile Life Insurance, students will be able to cover not only their tuition fees, but also their accommodation and upkeep expenses, thus easing the financial burden on their families.
According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Smile Life Insurance, Beatrice Mangwana, the company’s decision to invest in education through this scholarship programme is rooted in the belief that education is the key to unlocking the economic and social potential of the country.
By providing support to needy students, Smile Life Insurance hopes to empower the next generation of leaders and professionals, ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions without the worry of financial constraints holding them back.
The impact of this scholarship programme on the lives of the beneficiaries cannot be overstated. For many students, the ability to afford higher education is a distant dream, with financial hardships often forcing them to drop out of school before completing their degree.
In her address, Vice Chancellor Address Malata expressed her gratitude to Smile Life Insurance for their commitment to supporting needy students through this scholarship programme.
She emphasized the importance of partnerships between the private sector and academic institutions in addressing the challenges faced by students who lack the financial means to pursue higher education.
As the scholarship programme is rolled out and students begin to benefit from the support provided by Smile Life Insurance, it is clear that this partnership will have a lasting impact on the lives of many young Malawians.
