BSS alumni pledge more support

Former Blantyre Secondary School (BSS) students have pledged to work together to minimise challenges the school is facing so that it gets back to producing outstanding results.

The former students through BSS Alumni Association made the pledge on Saturday during their first ever Annual General Meeting where they among others elected new office bearers and outlined plans for the next two years.

In his acceptance speech, newly elected president Kingsley Jeseman said his first priorities will be to embark on a K3 million water tanks project to minimise water challenges at the school, increase sponsorship for needy students and introduce incentives for teachers and students.

He called on members of the association to work together to change the school from the pathetic condition it is in.

“During our time the school used to produce students with outstanding grades like six points but that has not been possible these days. I believe if we change the learning environment to the better and motivate the students to aim high the school will gain back its lost glory,” said Jeseman.

In the one year the association has been running, it has been supporting about 10 needy students in tuition fees.

But Jeseman said the association is contemplating on taking on board all 47 needy students at the school.

According to Deputy Head teacher for the school Lameck Kaonga, the first secondary school in Malawi, is in dire need of water reserves, kitchen, generator and general maintenance of hostels and classrooms.

“The school is in a dilapidated state and due to frequent power blackouts, students no longer study in the evening but only study during early morning hours, this will surely have a bearing on the student’s output,” said Kaonga.

Chairperson for BSS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Chris Butao thanked the association for the support which he said is a demonstration of how individuals can help in solving some of the social challenges the country is facing instead of only waiting for government.

BSS has an enrolment of 525 students.