Beam grants scholarships to 20 girls

The Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust, founded by First Lady Gertrude Mutharika, has awarded 20 scholarships to disadvantaged girls to study at Bedir Girls International High School in Blantyre.

Bedir offered the scholarships to Beam to identify the 20 needy girls in Blantyre to undergo their education at the institution.

Half of the girls have been offered boarding facilities while the rest will be day scholars.

Speaking during an audience with the girls at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Sunday, the First Lady said she was concerned that most girls in the country were dropping out of school due to, among others, forced marriages and lack of fees.

Mutharika then advised the girls to seize the opportunity of their lifetime by utilising it to the fullest and working hard in class.

“My dear young [women], consider yourselves as very special to be granted this opportunity. I will personally be checking on your progress and I do not want to be disappointed. You should be our pride as pioneers of this relationship with Bedir International School,” said the First Lady.

Beam was officially established last month to, among others, encourage Malawians to work towards making the country cleaner and healthier.

Mutharika observed that educated girls take care of themselves and their surroundings, thereby beautifying Malawi.

Later in the day, Mutharika handed over the young girls to the school management and also presided over the official opening of Bedir Girls High School new wing situated at Chinyonga—formerly Lady Bird High School.