LICO Enhances Education and Health at Chipunga Primary School in Rumphi District

Chipunga Primary School

Transforming Education in Rumphi East: LICO’s Impact at Chipunga Primary School

In the remote reaches of Rumphi East, along the scenic shores of Lake Malawi, lies Chipunga Primary School, serving hundreds of eager learners. For years, students faced daily struggles just to access basic education. Classrooms were overcrowded, there were no desks, and learners often sat on the floor or shared a single bench. Limited learning materials, poor lighting, and lack of mentorship created an environment where education was challenging and unequal.

The situation was especially difficult for girls, who faced higher risks of teenage pregnancies and child marriages, common in this rural, hard-to-reach community. With minimal awareness about menstrual health, many girls missed school during their periods or dropped out entirely. Teachers and parents worried about the future of these learners, but the school’s isolation made sustained support nearly impossible.

Recognizing these urgent needs, LICO organized an intervention to uplift learning and personal development. Our team traveled by boat to reach Chipunga, bringing classroom desks, study solar lamps, sports equipment, and menstrual health education sessions for female students. In addition, 62 girls received reusable sanitary pads, and we brought along girl role models who interacted with female learners, mentoring them on health, personal growth, and the importance of staying in school.

The initiative directly benefited 390 learners, transforming classrooms and fostering a more engaging learning environment. With desks in place, students could focus on lessons more effectively. Girls reported increased confidence attending school, knowing they had access to sanitary products and guidance from role models. Teachers observed improved attendance, participation, and motivation, while parents expressed gratitude for the support that had long been needed.

Communities, teachers, and learners alike praised LICO for the intervention, noting how it had brought hope and inspiration to a school that had struggled for years. The presence of girl role models in particular encouraged female students to envision a future beyond early marriage and teenage pregnancy, highlighting the importance of education in shaping life opportunities.

LICO’s support at Chipunga Primary School demonstrates the power of addressing both educational infrastructure and social barriers. By providing desks, learning tools, mentorship, and health education, LICO is fostering inclusive and equitable learning, helping students, especially girls, stay in school, engage fully, and pursue their potential.

Through this intervention, LICO is not just improving classrooms but also empowering an entire community, promoting gender equality, reducing dropout risks, and inspiring the next generation along the shores of Lake Malawi. Chipunga Primary School stands as a testament to the impact that focused, holistic support can have in transforming education and opening doors to brighter futures.