Student support: From secondary school to university

Lonjezo, second left, pictured with our 2025 students.

Every student has a story, and for many young people in Malawi, the opportunity to continue their education depends on someone believing in them.

Lonjezo Geoffrey, one of our sponsored university students, shares how Hope4Development has supported him from the start of secondary school through to university, and how that support has inspired him to work hard, trust God, and give back to others.

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Hope4Development has played a major role in my academic journey. Even before I was sponsored by Hope4Development, they encouraged me. When I was in Standard 8, I heard that if students did well in their exams and their families were not able to pay school fees, they could be sponsored by Hope4Development. This encouraged me to work extra hard, which helped me to be selected for a district secondary school.

My secondary school life was made much easier because of this organisation. School fees were not a problem, and I was provided with school materials such as exercise books, textbooks, soap and transport money. I was also given a monthly allowance to help me buy groceries.

Hope4Development also provided guidance and counselling whenever they visited us during secondary school. Their encouragement and support meant a lot to me, and I came to think of them as parents because they cared about my education and my future.

After finishing secondary school, Hope4Development introduced the Youth Development Programme (YDP), which helped me gain valuable skills in farming and basic computer studies.

These skills later became very useful when I started my university studies. I am now preparing to start my second year in September, studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts. Thanks to the sponsorship I receive from Hope4Development, I do not have any problems with paying my school fees.

This encourages me to work hard so that I can accomplish my goals of becoming a graphic designer and running a farming business, because alongside studying Fine Arts, I also love farming.

During my university holidays, I spend my time working at Hope Skills Centre, supporting the Hope4Development team and giving back by helping on the farm.

Writing and receiving letters from my sponsor has also been a very special part of being sponsored by Hope4Development.

I enjoy hearing how my sponsor, Margaret, and her family are doing, and I really appreciate the advice she shares with me. I especially value her encouragement to trust God and knowing that she continues to pray for me and for my academic journey.

I am very thankful to Hope4Development and to my sponsor for giving me this opportunity. Their support has encouraged me to work hard, follow my dreams, and trust that God has a good plan for my future.

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Can you help a child in Malawi?

Thanks to the support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's Youth Development programmes, building projects, resourcing initiatives, and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children in rural Blantyre.

Contact us for further information on how to get involved.