Embarking on student life in Malawi

Beatrice was excited and nervous as we approached the gate of LUANAR (Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources).  When we took her, and all her student life belongings from Lilongwe this afternoon, a bit less than one hour drive from our house, it was her journey to start her student life.

Academic life at LUANAR ahead!

Beatrice is the daughter of Emily, our housemaid, and she is eager to study hard and dig into the aspects of nutrition.  Her huge desire had been to study medicine, but the requirements were sky-high, and although she is a bright young lady, she did not quite reach there.  Now she is ready to put every effort into her degree in nutrition.

Beatrice represents 1% of tertiary school-age population of Malawi that is enrolled in tertiary education.  In Norway around 75% are enrolled, while the figure for Botswana is 18%.  The threshold is high to find yourself in a university or college campus in Malawi, and considerably higher if you are a girl!   Not only is the academic threshold high, but also the economic threshold.

We have witnessed unrest and demonstrations among students the last few months due to sharp hikes in student fees.  In some universities the fees were increased with more than 150% in one leap.  For LUANAR students were told only two-three weeks prior to semester start that fees had been increased with 50%.  Many students had made huge efforts to scrape together enough money to pay for tuition, fees, upkeep, ... through jobs, student loans, identification of sponsors and other creative approaches.  After having been successful and with great anticipation looking forward to start of the semester, they were faced with new financial demands that might be seen as impossible to meet.  No wonder that some students and students-to-be took to the streets!  One of the universities is still closed, since their case has been brought to the courts for resolution.

With her student-life belongs, Beatrice is assisted by mother Emily and family to locate her dormitory.

In spite of 50% hike on short notice, students at the Bunda campus, one of three LUANAR campuses, did not take industrial action, and registration for the semester could take place today.

It is beyond doubt that education is a main driver of development in any country.  The assumption is that educated youth will fill positions in the public and private sector and drive innovation and economic development.  With the current slow growth of Malawian economy, and with a starting point as number 163 on the Human Development Index list of the United Nations, jobs are not necessarily waiting for young graduates.  Much depends on their own initiative to create jobs.

Beatrice has some years of studies ahead of her. Expertise on nutrition is pivotal in a country with widespread abject poverty and malnutrition.  With her future expertise we should hope that she can contribute to the development of Malawi, reduce malnutrition and promote her own job career in the service of the Malawian people.

The proud mother sends off her daughter with great hopes and anticipations

A proud mother Emily followed Beatrice to her student life registration, and she can indeed be proud that she has been able to support her daughter to reach this level!