The project began as a direct result of lobbying by the local community in Nkhata Bay region, and, in particular, by VH Matawale of Bwelero village. The VH delivered a clear message that the villages of Bwelero, Chimbota and Dindano were in desperate need of a Secondary School. The nearest schools were over 2 hours away on foot. As a result, many students were unable to attend school regularly, which was seriously damaging their prospects and slowing the pace of development in the region.
Therefore, a partnership was established between the community and myself, Kevin Troughton, a teacher at St Andrew’s International High School in Blantyre, to seek to remedy this problem.
A long consultation process followed, involving Kevin and community leaders, TA Mankhambira, GVH Mndora (now Sub-TA Mndora), VH Kasyata and VH Matawale, along with project manager and local resident Phillip Chibisa, to ensure that the planned School would meet the needs of all concerned.
Land was purchased and work began on site in July 2013, and has been continuing uninterrupted from that time. The first teaching block was completed in April 2014, and compost toilets in July 2014.
The School was visited by the LEA Inspection team from Mzuzu in December 2014, and passed its inspection with flying colours.
Following this, Chimbota community secondary school opened its doors to students in January 2015.
Block 2 – specialist teaching rooms
Building work on phase 2 was completed in December 2015, and the block was opened in January 2016. The second teaching block comprises physics/chemistry laboratory, biology classroom and library/IT room. The laboratory is well equipped with chemicals and science equipment, and has sinks and running water.
Alongside the building work, a shallow well was dug and a basic solar system installed to provide lighting and power.
A Head teacher, Deputy Head teacher and 6 other teachers were appointed – all are well qualified and experienced Malawian teachers. Text-books, sports kits and other important equipment were also bought. 12 computers were donated to the project by the International Teaching and Training Centre (ITTC) in the UK, and a large number of library books have been donated by St Andrew’s High School in Blantyre.
Third teaching block and additional toilets.
Completed in December 2016, the third classroom block and toilets are now used by the Form 3 and Form 4 classes. The block contains two general purpose classrooms.