Photo courtesy of Charles Chikuwo

The construction of a new school in Mulanje, Malawi will support the local economy while creating more opportunities for high-quality education. 

St. Andrew’s Mission Secondary School in Mulanje, Malawi,  is recognized for its exceptional academic achievements, consistently producing some of the nation’s most accomplished students. Remarkably, 100% of the students at St. Andrew’s pass the Malawi School Certification Exams, a national college entry examination with an average passing rate of only 51%. This outstanding success rate places St. Andrew’s among the top 0.2% of all secondary schools in Malawi.   

Reflecting the school’s high demand, St. Andrew’s dormitories are overflowing, with bunk beds now occupying the hallways. The co-ed school was built in 2012 with the intention of educating 200 students, roughly half of whom would live on campus. However, demand for the school’s high-quality education has skyrocketed enrollment to over 250% beyond the school’s dormitory capacity.  

BBF received a grant from Eden Hall Foundation to build a second school that will house and educate the school’s male students. Set to be completed in the fall of 2025, the school will include a dormitory, restrooms, four classrooms, a biology lab and a computer lab.  

Fanizo Trading Companies, a construction company local to Mulanje, has already started the construction process. BBF is assisting the project by managing funds and overseeing the progress.  

Advancing Investments in Malawi, a nonprofit organization that enhances educational and health systems in southern Malawi, will support the school’s maintenance needs once it’s completed.