16/09/2026
Alespecious Cosmass Madzi breaks the barriers for 2 decades.
Today, Maphunziro Mbambande is in Ntchisi District, Mphelele Area Program, at Mingu Primary School, taking a closer look at the impact of improved academic performance on learners' futures.
For more than two decades, no learner from Mingu Primary School had been selected to a boarding secondary school through the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations. The last time this happened was in 2002. Since then, learners from the school have only been selected to Community Day Secondary Schools.
However, the Maphunziro Mbambande Quiz Competition has helped change that narrative.
This year, Mingu Primary School celebrated a historic achievement when one of its learners earned a place at a boarding secondary school in the PSLCE results. Alespecious Cosmass Madzi, aged 13, defied the odds and is now walking the corridors of a boarding secondary school in Ntchisi.
Yusuf Ahmad, a teacher at Mingu Primary School, could not hide his excitement about the achievement. He believes the introduction of quiz competitions played a significant role in improving learners' academic performance.
"There was little competition among learners, and a lack of seriousness from some teachers contributed to poor academic performance. However, the introduction of quizzes served as a wake-up call for both learners and teachers. It motivated everyone to work harder, focus on their studies, and strive for better results," he said.
The success of Alespecious stands as a testament to the positive impact of academic competitions in motivating learners, improving classroom performance, and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
Healthwise Organization World Vision Malawi
