By Chisomo Phiri

A Form 2 student at Mzuzu Government Secondary School Gift Kansichi has put his school on the map for emerging a top winner in the 53rd International Letter Writing Competition.

The competition which is for young students and learners is an annual event organized my Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and Universal Postal Union in 192 countries including Malawi.

The Results were unveiled on Friday June 28,2024 during a presentation ceremony of prizes to students who participated in the 2024 competition at Mzuzu Hotel where Mzuzu Government Secondary School hosted the event.

As an overall winner, Kansichi, 15,was awarded among others a HP Laptop Computer, a bag, note books, scientific calculator, gold medal, pens and an umbrella.

After receiving the award,Kansichi urged fellow young students and learners to believe in themselves and develop a reading culture to excel more in life.

“These prizes have courage and motivated me and I therefore, urge fellow student across the country to participate in such competitions as they help in improving one’s reading and writing skills,” Kansichi said.

El-Shadai Academy Private Primary School learner, Zaithwa Chombo and Mepic Private Primary School leaner, Ulalo Tembo both of 11 years of age scooped the second and third positions respectively.

In his remarks,MACRA Board Director, Alekeni Menyani commended students and learners who participated in the competition which attracted 440 entries and advised other to develop competitive spirit in all education related activities.

“I am pleased to say that this year’s participation grew by 30 percent from last year’s submissions. The total number of letters submitted in the competition this year is 440 against 338 that MACRA received last year. Out of these as per rules of UPU, three were selected as winners,” he said.

Menyani commended leaderships and teachers at the winning schools and parents for supporting and encouraging the participants.

On his part,Director of Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Golden Msilimba urged learners to utilize information, communication and technological advancements in finding solutions to challenges being faced in various sectors.

“Nowadays, technology has surpassed everything as we see the use of artificial intelligence in some sectors. As a future generation, have a habit of finding solutions to problems by taking advantage of technological opportunities.

“Our imagination as youths is what will shape a new Malawi and ensure the attainment of Malawi 2063 as such we should inspire to be a nation that is able to think, look and come up with solutions,” he said.

The Competition was held under the theme “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations.

The World has changed enormously since then.

Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.