Transforming Education and Water Access in Rumphi, Malawi

Solar-powered water system installed at Mfumu Primary School

LICO, with support from the Epsilon Foundation (Italy), has successfully completed a transformative development project at Mafumu Primary School in Rumphi District, in Malawi. The initiative has brought remarkable improvements in both education and water access for the school and surrounding communities.

The project involved the construction of a fully furnished two-classroom block and the installation of a solar-powered water system. These interventions have addressed long-standing challenges that learners and teachers at Mafumu faced for years. Previously, many pupils, especially those in Standards 6 and 7, were learning under trees or in grass-thatched shelters that offered little protection from weather hazards. The school had only one permanent classroom block, and access to clean water was unreliable due to a malfunctioning hand pump.

Old grass-thatched classroom block

With the new classroom block now in use, over 500 learners are benefiting from a safe and conducive learning environment, complete with desks, blackboards, and teaching materials. The school has recorded a significant rise in attendance and a notable reduction in dropout rates, particularly among girls.

Newly built classroom block at Mafumu Primary School

One of the project’s most impactful components is the installation of a solar-powered water pump, connected to a 10,000-litre tank. This has not only provided consistent access to clean water but has also improved hygiene standards across the school. The water system is already benefitting nearby communities and holds potential for expansion in the future.

A significant milestone as a result of this project is the upcoming introduction of Standard 8 at Mafumu Primary School, scheduled for September 2025. This will eliminate the need for learners to travel long distances to sit for national examinations, further improving educational access and retention.

This project demonstrates the power of community-driven development and strategic partnerships. By improving learning infrastructure and access to clean water, LICO and the Epsilon Foundation have made a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families in Mafumu and beyond.

To learn more about LICO’s work, visit: www.licomw.org