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ST. CHARLES PRIMARY SCHOOL

LOCATION: MALAWI

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

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In September 2023, St. Charles Primary School first opened its doors to 171 eager, smiling faces in grades 1-4 for their first day of school. . When completed, the school will serve 300+ students in grades 1-6. Two-thirds of these future students are girls, thanks to efforts in the region to raise the historically low education rate of young girls.

Not only has St. Charles enlightened minds in the classroom, but is also changing hearts in the community. 

 

UNDERSTANDING
THE NEED

Malawi is one of the smallest countries in Africa, and more than 85% of its population lives in rural areas and works as subsistence farmers. The country is also one of the poorest in the world with about 1 in 3 people surviving on less than 1 dollar a day.

In Chisankhwa, where St. Charles is being built, there is a great need for a new school. Presently, many youths in this area do not attend school because they cannot walk the long distances required to attend. This can also tragically lead to higher rates of forced child labor.

The community of Chisankhwa is overjoyed to have high-quality, local Catholic education for their children. But, right now, we need your help to finish construction on the buildings needed to open our doors. Help us complete the second phase of building and welcome 300+ students into our classrooms.

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WHO WE SERVE

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The Students of St. Charles

In Chisankhwa, Malawi many children do not attend school because of the long distances they must travel to learn. As a result, only one in five children attain a formal education. Building a school in our community will make education accessible to young children — fostering an early interest in school and allowing them to excel in their education.

UNDERSTANDING OUR GOALS

  1. We need to complete the second phase of construction: building residences for teachers, as well as restroom facilities. 

  2. We can reduce cases of child labor in the community by shortening the distance children must travel to school. 

  3. We want to raise enough money to hire and retain qualified educators, so our children have the best chance of rising out of poverty. 

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Community Impact

Since its opening in September 2023, St. Charles Primary School has breathed new life into the Chisankhwa community. With a shared vision, people of all ages have worked tirelessly to make the school a safe and nurturing place for learning and growth.

However, the students quickly noticed that some of the children in their villages were not attending school. With the limited capacity, they didn’t understand why their friends weren’t given the same opportunity. After teachers explained that there weren’t enough classrooms yet and that more were being built, the students decided to take action to help ensure that all their friends could attend school.

The students started a garden in the schoolyard, planting soybeans and other vegetables. After the harvest, they used the proceeds to buy 50 bags of cement for the construction of additional classrooms. They also purchased books and soccer balls, giving the children who weren’t yet in school a chance to play and learn.

These efforts inspired the parents, missionaries, and broader community. Even with limited means, these children are becoming agents of change, transforming the spirit and lives of those around them, and bringing joy and hope to the entire community.

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HOW FAR DOES YOUR DOLLAR GO?

Your donation will help lift a child out of poverty, changing their future for the better.

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$10/ Month

Helps cover tuition costs
for a child at St. Charles

$25/ Month

Pays a teacher’s salary
for a whole year

$50/ Month

Helps to maintain our building, and provide water and food to our students

$250

Helps us purchase desks, so our students can focus and learn

$500

Helps us complete essential construction, so we can open our school

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