Baptist Convention of Malawi

Site visit findings

Student activity

IPE, in partnership with BACOMA sponsors seventeen (17) students. Twelve are in Blantyre; two (2) in southwest Malawi; one (1) in northern Malawi, and one (1) in Salima. Students are identified for support through the Baptist churches that are a part of BACOMA. Thought students who are not in boarding school received some transport money, BACOMA reports that more is needed. BACOMA reports that there are many children in need of support, that they have requests to support more students in secondary school, and that they would like to add students.

Mrs. Kalenga monitors student progress in Blantyre. Because of the distance, monitoring is delegated to the churches that support the students in outlying areas. Students reported enjoying many of their subjects and told US visitors of their future goals. Some students are challenged to do well in school. One student was moved to a boarding school because the distractions at home impaired his progress. Mrs. Kalenga and Ms. Kaiya are commended for advocating for students by arranging their transfer to better schools.

Financial Activity

Funding to BACOMA covers tuition, pocket money, and travel and lodging expenses for volunteer distributing the tuition. Students’ families and guardians provide school uniforms. Once funding is received through Moneygram, Mrs. Kalenga takes it directly to the Blantyre schools. Funding to schools outside of Blantyre is sent through the bank to the local churches. Mrs. Kalenga obtains the receipts directly from the Blantyre schools; they are sent to BACOMA from the outlying schools. Due to travel and administrative barriers at schools, it is time-consuming to obtain receipts. The receipts are photocopied and given to Dr. Chirwa. In the past, funding from the US was all sent to a representative in care of Mrs. Mafuleka from St. James/CWG. In the future the BACOMA funding will be send in care of Mrs. Kalenga to facilitate the distribution process for everyone.

IPE Partnership Development

This beginning partnership is developing smoothly. IPE co-president Dr. Ellen Chirwa and BACOMA representatives communicate effectively to maintain this partnership.