Moderator's Challenge
Lighting up learning in Malawi
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson has challenged people to support an initiative that has the potential to transform students' lives in Malawi.
The idea was sparked during Dr Paterson's visit to Malawi in the autumn. He was struck by the determination of the people there, and particularly within the Church, to ensure education at all levels becomes available and accessible to all.
But he also noticed that there were barriers for students who were keen to learn.
For children, without lights in their homes they could not study after it became dark.
And for PhD students at Zomba Theological University they were frequently dealing with power outages, something the Moderator witnessed first-hand.
His challenge aims to help students at both ends of the academic spectrum – primary school learners and PhD students.
Let your little light shine - creating light libraries for primary schools
The Moderator saw an initiative at Thondwe CCAP Primary School which he believes the Church could help replicate. He believes ‘light libraries' could hold the answer.
It is lighting up homes to allow children to do homework by funding a simple ‘light library' at their school, allowing them to borrow small solar lights to take home, potentially making a difference to their whole future.
The headteacher at Thondwe told him how the simple solar lights are allowing extra time for children to learn in villages where there is no electricity and so it is dark at 6.30pm. She has seen academic improvement in her pupils since this initiative has been in place. The light also becomes a resource for others in the household too as even one small light radiates a beam which allows others to see also. Before children were studying by using candles or kerosene lamps which are both expensive or indeed not studying at all.
24-hour Learning opportunities for PhD Students at Zomba Theological University.
It will also provide solar panels to allow PhD students to study during the hours of darkness. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Zomba Mountain, Zomba Theological University (ZTU) has high ambitions.
As part of its strategic plan to advance and extend quality theological education, ZTU is embarking upon an ambitious renovation project to provide accommodation for new and expanding postgraduate programmes. The vision is that the new centre will become a hub of collegiality, creativity and collaboration that can generate transforming ideas and transformative leaders. The proposed development includes solar power provision and improved IT infrastructure throughout the renovated buildings to provide a variety of flexible working locations.
To ensure the students can make the most of their time of study, there needs to be a consistent electricity supply for lighting and internet access, something which a state-of-the-art solar energy system will ensure once installed – and it will also be more economical than buying from the grid.
Building the People of God in Malawi
The Moderator's visit to Malawi allowed him to see the steps from Early Childhood Development Programmes to the accredited University programmes of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) with whom the Church of Scotland have a long-standing partnership.
Talking after the trip he said: "I evidenced a real desire and enthusiasm for education and was so taken by the steps learners (of all ages) took in their thirst for knowledge. This challenge seemed to me to fit in well with my theme for my Moderatorial year of ‘Building Together'. As much as I love a good DIY project, this theme is more about ‘Building the People of God', allowing everyone at whatever level they are at, to be encouraged and supported to take the next step on their journey through life."
This appeal will help to keep lights shining and give students opportunity to shine too as they seek to enhance their learning.
How can you help?
- Solar lights for light libraries, cost around £10 per light and can be bought locally in Malawi.
- The new PhD Centre needs support to install solar power and a modern IT system which would allow students to study at any time.
- No matter how little you can raise you will be helping to Build God's people in Malawi
- Be creative in your fundraising – let us know what you are doing
The Project will remain live until May 2025.
Download the information leaflet
