Malawi is a nation in southeast Africa. Roughly the size of the state of Indiana with almost 3x the population density, at +21 million people. The economy is slow, relying predominantly on the agricultural industry, with some manufacturing and service industry. It is reported as having one of the four highest poverty rates in the world, where, according to global standards, 70% of the population exists on less than $2.15 a day. The problem is particularly entrenched in the rural areas where that figure is 77%.
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Matuta Foundation Secondary School is being developed in Rural Zomba, Traditional Authority Mlumbe, in the Nomonde Village, located in the southeast region of Malawi. As a Yao tribe dominated area, who traditionally practice child marriage, girls are especially prone to dropping out of education. 97% of the population is Muslim.
The area suffers crippling poverty and low literacy rates. In addition, the area is prone to famine and unpredictable weather impacts. This project is part of the larger Malawi Community Project that aims to improve all aspects of living including education, food, utilities, small business, medical and spiritual care. It is led by a long term partner who first started as a recipient of the Educational Scholarship Fund from True Sojourners, Jonathan Freddie M’bwana.
In 2023, True Sojourners partnered with Jonathan to begin building the infrastructure needed to provide easier access to education for this village. Until this project, the closest Secondary School was a 12 mile walk. As is often the case in Malawi, few students go to school past Primary School (ages 6-13). This is especially true in the rural areas and among the poorest. In fact, there are many concerns related to education, as reported in the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) carried out in 2019-20 by the National Statistical Office of Malawi.
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​​Currently, Phase One of the project is under way with the construction of a two room brick structure able to house two classrooms and two instructor offices. Three other structures such as this will be needed to complete this phase, allowing the school to enroll 400 students for instruction. An Administration building is also close to complete. Already, 120 students have received instruction at Matuta.
The full scope of the project includes feeding the students, 90% of whom come to school without having eaten anything and benefiting the village in significant ways. For example, bringing electricity, water, and sanitation infrastructure to the area that the whole community can access. A clinic is also a part of the long term plan for the community, as well as training and support for small business development.
