Phase 1 project Bolera: building a Junior Primary School in Malawi

The first phase of the project has been completed a Junior Primary School in Mangochi. The pre-schoolers can attend school from grade 1 to 4.

It is an area where 1500 children receive no education (numbers are collected by the local chiefs). The project originated with the locals and local ownership is central. The government has conducted a thorough investigation into whether the school can be built. The ownership of this project is in the hands of the locals. The locals can make the bricks and help with the construction of the school.

The Jaos are the inhabitants of the Mangochi area. The Jaos are predominantly Muslim. Education in this area is poorly developed. It belongs to the top 5 least developed regions (34 regions) in Malawi. The schools are far apart. The government's policy is that there should be a primary school every 3 kilometres, but in practice this is not the case. Children often have to travel long distances to attend school. As a result, children do not attend school until later in life. They often start the first grade only at the age of 12. Children who enter later join younger children in their class. As a result, the school drop-out rate among these children is high. Other reasons for dropping out of school are:

• In Muslim culture, education is given less priority. There is now a tendency for Muslims to return to this. Education among Muslims is on the increase.
• Around the lake, a lot of money is earned by selling fish and other commodities. Children and young people choose money over education.
• Girls get married early so they don't finish their school.

One of the problems of education is that there is a high drop-out rate among children. This can have several causes. Think of hygiene, no food at school, no good sanitary facilities and no recreational opportunities.

• The school is therefore equipped with toilets with separate areas for girls, so that the girls can change themselves when they have their periods. These areas must also be provided with wastebaskets.
• Running water is a must. A solar pump has been drilled so that clean and safe drinking water is always available.
• The school is equipped with solar panels. This means that the children can also go to school in the evening to read and learn.
• The school is equipped with recreational facilities, such as: football field, netball field and other sports facilities.

The school currently operates with two shifts. This means that twice as many students can receive education. There are currently 930 students using the school. Meanwhile, the second phase of Project Bolera has begun. We are currently collecting for 50,000 new building blocks and an expansion of the school. Read all about phase 2: building a school in malawi here!