Empowering Future minds in the digital world: Inspiring Stories from Bwaila Secondary School’s Digi Learn Program.

Bwaila Secondary School is one of the schools that is benefiting from the Digi Learn program with 40 desktop computers. The school serves a total of 911 students, with 478 males and 433 females. This academic year, Bwaila Secondary School has enrolled 44 males and 36 females in computer studies, representing 9.2% and 8.3% enrolment rates, respectively.

Computer studies have not traditionally been a compulsory subject in Malawi’s secondary schools. However, there have been ongoing efforts by the government to make it a mandatory part of the curriculum. Despite this, schools like Bwaila are proactively incorporating computer studies into their programs. The current enrolment figures are a promising start, indicating that these numbers will likely increase in the coming years as more students recognize the value of computer literacy. Bwaila Secondary School’s initiative demonstrates a successful step toward enhancing digital education and preparing students for a technology-driven world.

The CEE team interviewed two students from Bwaila Secondary School who are both studying computer studies as part of their Malawi School Certificate of Examination (MSCE).

Sarah Buya, a 15-year-old female student in Form 3, is studying computer studies as part of her MSCE (Malawi School Certificate Examination) curriculum. Sarah shared her inspiring story:

“Ever since I was in primary school, I have always wanted to learn more about computers. With the opportunity provided by the Digi Learn program, my dream has become a reality. I have learned Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, designing, and Publisher. The practical sessions have significantly improved my skills as I used to struggle with the subject, but now my highest score is 78%, and this progress has motivated me to continue pursuing computer studies through to the MSCE level.”

Sarah’s story highlights the transformative impact that access to technology and dedicated computer studies can have on students, enabling them to achieve their academic goals and develop essential skills for the future.

Prayer Shem, a 17 year old-Male Student in Form 3, shared his inspiring story:

“Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to learn more about computers. In primary school, I attended summer computer classes in my community which came at a fee. When I moved on to secondary school, I faced a challenge because my community day secondary school did not offer computer studies. Fortunately, I was an excellent student during the Junior Certificate Examinations (JCE), and my performance earned me a spot at Bwaila Secondary School for my senior secondary classes.”

“At Bwaila Secondary School, I began learning computer studies in Form 3. Despite my initial excitement, I faced difficulties and failed my exams in the first term. However, this setback did not discourage me. I continued to work hard and, by the second term, I scored 60%. Now, in the third term, I am confident that I will pass. My plan is to complete computer studies through to the MSCE level because I believe I can succeed. I just need to practice and study more, especially since I missed out on learning the subject in Forms 1 and 2”.