The Library and Primary School at APU

Dinna Mwale assists Tama to find a book in the new Primary Library. The  library is located in a storeroom off the main library which also houses a growing Teachers Resource Library.

APU grads Dinna Mwale and Fydes Bosten have been volunteering in the library prior to beginning their next semester at Bunda College. In the past 3 weeks they have processed over 600 books! Dinna graduated in 2011 and is is in first year Agriculture Extension while Fydes graduated in 2013 and is in second year of Horticulture.

New at APU this year is the Student Library Assistants program. Ten students each volunteer one hour a week checking books in and out using the new card system, shelving books and doing other library tasks. Below Leah and Miracle stamp book pockets. In the background is librarian Mr. Vimango.

Library Assistants Alinafe and Wezzie keep the fiction section in good order.

 

Memory spends some quiet time trying out some new paints with a few of the primary children. The primary school is in the background.

Construction Update from Lori Messer in Malawi

South end of the building - which has the concrete poured and set. The supports look spindly but they are apparently really strong and can be reused.

Here are some of the workers:

This view is taken from the north end of the building looking south. A big load of supports arrived last week and they are busy constructing the cement forms for the rest of the building. Judging from how long it took to pour the first part, this will be a long process. They literally pour it from the cement mixer load by load.

Looking southwest.

Looking north east from classroom block 3.

The Girls are Back

Eager to return to school

From Lori Messer, volunteering at APU

It was not long after the sun rose on Sunday, September 6th that the girls began to arrive and they were still coming as the red sun began to sink in the sky. A long, long day for APU staff. Almost every staff member was involved in some aspect of the process. 

Young men strapped bulging bags on their bicycles to assist the students coming by public transport, parking lot attendants directed traffic, and mothers balanced heavy suitcases on their heads down the pathways to the hostels. In the staff room everything was running like clockwork. Stations were set up around the room to accommodate every aspect of registration from fee payment to course selection. In another classroom, piles of fresh uniforms awaited first time students. APU is suddenly alive with excitement and promise.

As APU's reputation for excellence grows, demand far outstrips the number of available places. APU national exam results soar above the average for other secondary schools. Many graduating students are receiving college and university scholarships. The teaching staff is maturing into a strong team that is passionate about the APU mission. Memory's dream is not only successful, it is thriving!

Without the help of generous donors these girls would not have this opportunity to build a strong future. Thank you so much for your continuing support.