Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba has handed over a new school block at St. Martin de Porres Primary School, constructed with financial support from Pope Francis through the Society of the Holy Childhood.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mayaka Parish in Zomba, Bishop Chaima emphasized the Catholic Church’s commitment to education as a key driver of social development.
“The Church provides education to nurture the body, mind, and soul. This is why we place great importance on ensuring children gain valuable knowledge,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians in the area to prioritize their children’s education to help them become productive citizens. The Bishop also called on parents, teachers, and students to take good care of the new facility to benefit future generations.
St. Martin de Porres Primary School headteacher, Paul Banda, expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for its contribution to child education. He pledged to maintain the new school block to provide a conducive learning environment.
However, Banda appealed for further support, noting that the school, with an enrollment of 2,400 students, lacks enough desks.
St. Martin de Porres Primary School was established in 1920.
