University education is too expensive for most Malawians. Given the investment, students and parents tend to opt for studies that lead to higher income jobs. The Mlambe Study and Education Fund was established primarily to enable young Malawians to take up studies in the cultural heritage sector. It offers grants towards tuition costs and thesis research expenses at Malawian Universities particularly in the field of Anthropology, Archaeology and History. In the past, students have been assisted from the Catholic University of Malawi and from Chancellor College, Zomba. In addition, it has been used to sponsor educational field trips and the Cultural Day at the Catholic University of Malawi. Some funds have been used for capacity building of Malawi Government Officers.

One of the recipients has been Hellen Zalira. After her uncle passed away she was about drop out of her Social Work programme at the Catholic University. With the assistance of Mlambe Foundation she was able to graduate in 2010. In exchange Hellen volunteered at Tisunge! during the holidays, providing much needed assistance. The study fund thus helps the students as well as Mlambe Foundation projects. After her graduation Hellen was employed by the Local Development Fund and has started studying for a masters.

So far, ten students were able to graduate because of the Study and Education Fund, including six in 2011. Three students are currently receiving scholarships. We would like to assist another three students with your assistance!