Moderator’s Challenge to light up learning in Malawi

Church members are being encouraged to be a "light in the darkness" to help school pupils and students in Malawi reach their potential.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, the Moderator of the General Assembly, is asking congregations and others to help fund solar power energy initaitives for students.

The Moderator's Challenge appeal will enable children to do their homework and advance their education with the aid of small solar lights they can borrow from their school's ‘light library'.

It will also provide solar panels to enable PhD students at Zomba Theological University to study during the hours of darkness.

The Moderator was inspired to encourage people to support this challenge after his visit to Malawi in September where he saw the difficulties children faced in studying during the dark evenings without lights in their homes.

Daylight hours in sub-Saharan Africa are short and most children are forced to do their homework by the light of candles, kerosene lamps and fire.

Dr Paterson also witnessed first-hand power outages in Zomba Theological University and said the call to action fits the theme of his Moderatorial year, Building Together.

"As much as I love a good DIY project, this theme is more about ‘Building the People of God'," he said.

"Allowing everyone at whatever level they are at, to be encouraged and supported to take the next step on their journey through life."

While in Malawi, Dr Paterson saw first-hand people's determination to ensure education is available and accessible, often with the assistance of the Church.

"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," he said.

The Moderator also saw the impact of the "light library" initiative and was inspired to issue a challenge to donate to an appeal named, ‘Let your little light shine' - Creating light libraries in Malawi.

He said the simple act of helping children to do their homework by funding a 'light library' at their school can make a difference to their whole future.

Vitumbiko's Story

I am 10 years old and am a pupil at Thondwe Primary School in Zomba in Malawi. Malawi is in sub-Saharan Africa and so is near the equator. This means it gets dark between 6pm and 7pm every day of the year. I walk to school and when I get home I help my Mum with the chores – I often go to the well to get water for her. Sometimes I look after my little brother and sister too and they like to play with me. After our evening meal, it is time for me to do my homework. In the past, my parents would try to buy some kerosene or candles so I had light enough to read but these are expensive and they often can't afford them. Sometimes I would try to read by the light of the cooking fire outside the kitchen.

I want to be a nurse when I grow up but I need to get good grades so that I can go to high school and then to university. That is my dream. I want to work hard so that I can achieve this.

I was so excited when our school got a Light Library – our small solar lights are in the library of books at the school and we can borrow a light as well as a book. It has been one of my favourite times of the day when I can get both and take them home with me. Once I finish my chores, I sit at the table and do my homework. It is so good to have the brightness of the lamp in our small home – even the small children can keep playing in the shadow of it. Sometimes my Mum brings out her mending which she can see to do. After my homework, my Dad gathers us all together in the light and takes the family Bible down from the shelf and reads to us. Finally, when I curl up under my blanket, I take my story book from the library and fall asleep reading about adventures.... and dream about my future as a nurse.