LICO Hands Over New School Blocks and Solar-Powered Water System

Across many rural communities in Northern Malawi, access to quality education continues to be hindered by inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to clean water. In Rumphi District, learners in some schools have for years faced disruptions to learning due to the absence of safe and conducive learning spaces, while surrounding communities, particularly women and children, have struggled with long distances to unsafe water sources.

In response to these pressing needs, LICO, with support from the Epsilon Foundation, officially handed over two newly constructed school blocks at Mafumu and Chozoli Primary Schools. In addition, a solar-powered water system equipped with two combined 10,000-litre water tanks was commissioned at Mafumu School, marking a significant milestone in improving both education and community wellbeing in the area.

LICO implements integrated education initiatives that combine the development and rehabilitation of school infrastructure with bursary support for vulnerable learners, WASH in Schools programming, and literacy and foundational learning interventions.

The impact of the interventions is already evident across the targeted communities. At Mafumu Primary School, the project is directly benefiting 615 learners, who now have access to a safer, more conducive learning environment and reliable access to clean water. Beyond the school, approximately 2,300 community members from 18 surrounding villages are now able to access clean water closer to their homes, significantly reducing the burden previously placed on women and children who travelled long distances in search of water. At Chozoli Primary School, the newly constructed school block is directly impacting the lives of 1,100 learners, easing classroom congestion and creating an environment that better supports effective teaching and improved learning outcomes.

Access to water at Mafumu has also eased the burden on women and girls, who previously spent long hours walking long distances in search of water, time that could otherwise be spent on education, livelihoods, or caregiving.

Community members and school authorities expressed deep appreciation for the support, emphasising how transformative the interventions have been.

“We are very thankful for the generous support you have rendered to our school and the entire community. We truly believe that God sent you to help us overcome the challenges we were facing. Providing us with such a decent school block and a water system has added beauty to our school, eased our daily work, and greatly improved the teaching and learning environment. Words alone cannot fully express our gratitude.”- Mr. Kaira, Head Teacher, Mafumu Primary School

Learners also shared how the improvements have changed their daily school experience:

“I don’t know how to fully express my happiness. On behalf of my fellow students, I am very happy for the new classrooms and water. Before, we used to come to school late, and sometimes we could not attend because there was no learning space and no water. Now we come to school every day because Epsilon has given us classrooms and water.”- Pemphero Chanza, Learner, Mafumu Primary School.

Traditional leadership highlighted the wider community impact:

“I cannot underestimate the value of this support. My area has 18 villages with about 2,300 people. We had no reliable water source, and women walked long distances to fetch water. Today, we have clean running tap water within our community. This has changed our lives.”- P.G.V.H. Nkhomaliro, Mafumu Community.

At Chozoli School, school leadership also acknowledged the importance of the investment:

“We sincerely appreciate the support from the Epsilon Foundation. We are proud and grateful for this investment at Chozoli School, which will benefit our learners for many years to come.”- Mr. Nyirongo, Head Teacher, Chozoli Primary School

While these achievements mark significant progress, many schools and communities across Northern Malawi continue to face similar challenges. LICO remains committed to expanding access to quality education, safe learning environments, and essential services for vulnerable communities, but sustained impact requires continued partnerships and support.

We invite partners, donors, and well-wishers to join us in transforming more lives through education and community development. To learn more about our work or support our programmes, visit www.licomw.org.