Duwana Muhammad, a 16-year-old girl from Mangochi, Malawi, has made headlines with her impressive performance in the Form 1 mid-term examinations at Maranatha High School Academy. She scored 78 out of 100 in Religion and Moral Education and 33 out of 50 in English Paper I. Her progress is remarkable, considering she was one of 29 girls who sat for the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations at Mangale Primary School, with 28 dropping out.
Duwana's story gained national attention when she continued attending classes despite 28 of her female classmates dropping out of Standard 8. She reportedly studied by paraffin lamp after completing household chores, including fetching water and firewood, while holding on to her dream of becoming a doctor. Her determination inspired many, and Maranatha Academy subsequently offered her a full scholarship to pursue her education.
Maranatha Academy Managing Director, Ernest Kaonga, expressed his satisfaction with Duwana's performance, saying she has made significant progress since joining the school. He attributed her success to the school's supportive environment and scholarship program. Kaonga also mentioned that Duwana's progress has encouraged the school to consider supporting more children from disadvantaged backgrounds through scholarships.
Duwana's achievement is a testament to the impact of educational support and a conducive learning environment on a child's ability to overcome difficult circumstances and realise their potential. Her story highlights the challenges faced by many girls in Malawi, who are forced to drop out of school due to various reasons. Duwana's determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with the right support, anyone can achieve their goals.
According to Ernest Kaonga, Duwana's performance has not only impressed him but also motivated the school to provide more opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He added that her success will encourage the school to give more scholarships to such children. This move is expected to positively impact the lives of many students who face similar challenges.
Duwana is expected to pursue university studies at Sharda University in India, a significant milestone in her educational journey. Her future plans are a testament to her hard work and dedication to her education. With the support of Maranatha Academy, Duwana is poised to achieve her dreams and become a role model for others.
The Malawi government and other stakeholders have been urged to take note of Duwana's story and provide more support to girls' education. Her achievement demonstrates that with the right support, girls can excel in education and achieve their goals. Duwana's story serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the need to provide opportunities for girls to pursue their dreams.
Key points
- Duwana Muhammad, a 16-year-old girl from Malawi, has excelled in her Form 1 mid-term examinations, scoring high marks in several subjects.
Reporting sources
- Duwana shines in Form 1 examinations · MBC TV 1
