Unicaf University reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement and educational development in Malawi through a successful Primary Literacy and STEM Day Outreach held at Shire Urban Primary School in Lilongwe Urban District.
The initiative, organised as part of the University’s community engagement activities in line with NCHE accreditation requirements for the Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, aimed to promote literacy, motivate young learners, and strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and primary schools.
The Unicaf University team, which included students and staff from various disciplines, was warmly welcomed by the Headmistress, Ms. Linly Magombo, who expressed her appreciation for the partnership. The day began with opening remarks from Student Affairs Officer, Mr. Limbani Mwale, followed by an inspiring presentation by Bachelor of Education in Primary Education student, Ms. Dalitso Mtambalika, who shared her personal journey “From Primary to University”, encouraging pupils to value education as a foundation for future success.
Learners participated enthusiastically in storytelling sessions facilitated by Unicaf students, showcasing creativity through role plays and sharing their dreams of becoming teachers, nurses, and soldiers. The activities helped build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression among the pupils.
Later, the Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, Dr Rodgers, delivered a motivational talk emphasising the importance of hard work, discipline, and commitment to learning as key drivers of national development. The outreach concluded with the presentation of exercise books and pens to top-performing learners from each class, alongside boxes of chalk donated to support the school’s teaching activities.
Speaking after the event, Mr. Mwale highlighted that the outreach provided Unicaf University students with valuable hands-on experience in community engagement, while inspiring primary learners to aim higher in their studies. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between universities and communities by showing learners that education transforms lives,” he said.
The visit strengthened relations between Unicaf University and Shire Urban Primary School and reflected the University’s mission to integrate academic excellence with social responsibility. Following the success of this outreach, Unicaf University plans to expand similar initiatives to other schools across Lilongwe and beyond, continuing its efforts to promote literacy and educational growth at the grassroots level.
