In the Photo, Timothy Mwale.
Timothy Mwale tireless bid to bail out needy students at Mzuzu University.
By Henry Mlelemba.
He is not a millionaire, and neither is he at work, he is a student but has a heart of an articulate philanthropist.
But he is just 24 years old.
His name is Timothy Mwale – a student at the Mzuzu University, where the work of his passionate quest to assist fellow students in need, is fast becoming the reason other undergraduates at the said institution, are still in school.
Timothy’s initiative emanated from the formation of the Orphans of Africa Foundation, a charity organization, which he established, that reflects his commitment to giving back.
Why giving back, and to who?
“My own background and past experience in encountering situations where many students struggled, not only in paying fees, but also in their daily upkeep, rent inclusive,” said in an interview Timothy, who joined the Mzuzu University as a student, in 2024.
“Many students were failing to make ends meet, struggling, and that was what prompted me to spring into action and start mobilizing resources,” he said of the initiative.
It started with the supporting of two students who were on the verge of withdrawing from the university due to acute financial hardships.
As a generous and compassionate young man, Timothy dedicated himself to supporting his fellow students in need. His Orphans of Africa Foundation went full-throttle to explore ways of fundraising for the school support program, with a goal to alleviate the psychological burden on students struggling with basic needs such as food, rentals, and other essential resources.
To achieve this, he conducts thorough assessments of students’ needs, provides support within his capacity, and seeks public assistance, when necessary; with the students’ consent.
“The campaign aims to reduce the psychological burden on students who are in need of food, rentals, and resources that will enable them to survive university life. I achieve this through a thorough assessment of those who have approached me. I verify what they need and how I can support them; once I’m done with that, I evaluate if it’s within my capacity and act immediately without external support. If it’s not within my means, I request their consent to share their stories with the public in pleading for assistance”, Mwale said.
Through his selfless efforts, Timothy says he has managed to help 35 students, enabling them to reserve their places at the university, when they were about to forget their vision of attaining their degrees and move on with life.
Additionally, he mobilizes other essential resources, including clothes and assorted items.
“We managed to raise funds and helped students who were about to lose their places due to university hardships. We also managed to mobilize other resources like clothes and assorted items.” Mwale said.
Ian Kabudula, a student at Mzuzu University, is one of such students that found solace in the Mwale initiative. He openly attests at how the Orphans of Africa Foundation came in to save a difficult situation, which psychologically affected him and made him lose concentration in his studies.
His landlord was about to evict him for non-payment of rentals. Timothy heard of the story, accessed the situation, and stepped in to clear the accumulated rentals due.
“Timothy’s initiative came at a time when I was in deep trouble. I was about to lose my accommodation, but thanks to their support, I was able to pay my rent and continue with my studies,” narrated Pempho, who is now able to study without a burden.
Glory Kumwenda, another student at the institution concurred with Pempho, saying the timely intervention is the more reason she is still in college. Praising the initiative as a ‘life changing one’, she is all praises for Timothy Mwale.
“I have benefited greatly from the initiative. His kindness and generosity have made a significant impact on my university experience. His initiative is a reminder that we’re not alone in this journey: it’s comforting to know that there are people like him who care about our well-being and success.”
Picture showing students at Mzuni.
Timothy’s initiative has not gone unnoticed, Mzuzu University Student Representative Council (MUSREC) president, George Kamadya tributes the resourcefulness of the young philanthropist, saying it is an example others must emulate.
‘We urge the university community and beyond to rally behind Timothy’s initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students,’ he said, recognizing the struggles many students face.
Kamadya stressed the need for collective efforts from the university community, citizens, and the corporate world to help students facing challenges.
Education commentator Wesley Mwambakulu, while commending the efforts being undertaken by Timothy, said many students in Malawi’s higher education institutions are facing significant challenges.
He, in an interview, stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the country’s future, highlighting the critical role that students play in shaping Malawi’s development.
“Initiatives like Timothy’s are essential for bridging the gap between policy and practice in education. By focusing on students’ real-world challenges, he is helping to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment,” defined Mwambakulu.
He has urged the corporate world and well-meaning Malawians to join forces in supporting deserving students as neglecting them leaves the country at a disadvantage of developing.
“Collective action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students and contribute to Malawi’s development, it’s time for us to come together and support our future leaders.”
‘If our leaders are serious about the future of young people, there is need to invest in the education of these young people otherwise some inspirations like the Malawi 2063 will be hard to achieve’, he said.
Timothy’s story serves as a shining example of the impact one person can have. His selfless efforts have not only helped students in need but also inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
As Malawi continues to face challenges in its education sector, initiatives like Timothy’s offer a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, and are the reason many needy students are still in colleges and universities.
