The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has introduced Agent Teachers across Malawi to assist students facing challenges with online loan applications. This initiative aims to support students in navigating the application process for financial aid, especially those in remote areas with limited internet access.
NCHE Chief Executive Officer Ambumulire Phiri announced this on Monday in Dowa district during the launch of an online application orientation program, which will be conducted nationwide. Phiri explained that, with the application period set to open in the next week or two, it is essential for students to understand the process thoroughly. The orientation sessions will provide students with the information they need to successfully apply for loans.
The Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) is partnering with NCHE in this initiative to ensure that students are aware of the available resources. HESLGB Communications Manager Millie Kasunda noted that this collaboration is part of a larger effort to raise awareness about the loans and grants available to financially challenged students. The board offers support for tuition and living expenses to students at various universities across Malawi.
“Through these orientations, we aim to reach as many students as possible, especially those in rural areas, to inform them about the loans and guide them in the application process,” said Kasunda.
The NCHE and HESLGB hope that this effort will make the loan application process more accessible and help students in need continue their studies without financial barriers.
The UTM Party has extended the deadline for aspiring candidates to submit their letters of interest for various positions in its upcoming national convention.
Initially, the party set the deadline at 5:00 PM on Monday for all individuals interested in contesting at the convention to submit their applications. However, by the set time, several key figures, including the party’s Vice President, Michael Usi, had yet to submit their letters.
According to reports obtained by Times 360 Malawi, the UTM Party made the decision to extend the deadline to ensure adherence to the party’s regulations. These rules stipulate that submission of interest letters should be completed one week before the convention takes place.
Njawala
“We have agreed to extend the submission period to give more members the opportunity to participate, as we have so far received a limited number of letters,” the reports stated.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala could not be reached for comment to confirm the details of the extension.
The party’s national convention is scheduled for the 17th of this month in the city of Mzuzu, where delegates are expected to elect new leaders.
The inauguration of the Jalira Girls Secondary School in Rumphi West Constituency marks a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities for girls in the region. First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera was lauded for her commitment to improving access to education during the handover ceremony held on Monday.
During the event, traditional leader Themba la Mathemba Chikulamayembe and Rumphi West Member of Parliament Yona Adadawiza Mkandawire expressed their deep appreciation for the school, highlighting its importance as a unique educational institution in the area. “We are very grateful for this excellent project. The government has been a steadfast supporter of our educational needs. Please convey our heartfelt thanks from the constituents of this area,” said Mkandawire.
The First Lady Opening the school
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima emphasized the school’s potential to transform the educational landscape in Rumphi. “This institution serves as a strong encouragement for both the ministry and the community, and it aligns perfectly with the pillars of Malawi 2063, particularly in fostering skilled labor as a critical component of human capital development,” she noted.
Wirima called on students and community members to take great care of the new facilities, underscoring the importance of maintaining such infrastructure for future generations. The ceremony also featured the attendance of Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaola Mdooko and other senior officials within the educational sector.
The launch of Jalira Girls Secondary School is seen as a vital stride towards advancing gender equity in education and equipping young women with the skills necessary for personal and community development.
With just two days left until Election Day, the 2024 U.S. presidential race has reached an electrifying and unpredictable climax, as both Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump remain neck-and-neck in the polls. This close competition has turned every moment into a strategic showdown, especially in the battleground states that could ultimately determine who takes the White House.
The Harris strategy: A strong push in Michigan
Kamala Harris, who is aiming to build upon the coalition that propelled Joe Biden to victory in 2020, has focused her final days on Michigan, a state that proved critical in the last election. Harris’s rallies in Michigan have centered on economic and social issues. With an appeal to working-class voters and a promise of continued economic recovery, Harris hopes to secure the trust of Michiganders who have experienced the challenges of both economic downturns and the pandemic’s aftershocks.
In Michigan, Harris is emphasizing her commitment to infrastructure investment, manufacturing revitalization, and climate initiatives aimed at creating green jobs—a pitch tailored for a state with deep industrial roots. By holding multiple rallies here, Harris is sending a clear message that Michigan is a must-win state for her campaign. Harris’s visits are also aimed at energizing key Democratic demographics, including young voters, African Americans, and union workers, whose turnout will be vital.
Trump’s last-minute blitz in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has intensified his efforts across a trio of southern and swing states: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. His campaign rallies, which draw loyal supporters in massive numbers, emphasize themes of economic resurgence, immigration control, and a “law and order” message, all designed to resonate with his base while attempting to sway undecided voters. Trump’s frequent stops across these key states demonstrate his commitment to a high-energy, crowd-driven campaign style.
In Pennsylvania, Trump’s rallies highlight the natural gas industry and criticize the Democratic agenda as harmful to energy jobs, tapping into voters’ anxieties about their economic futures. In North Carolina and Georgia, Trump is pushing hard on issues of crime and traditional values, appealing to conservative voters who have been essential to his coalition.
The polling picture: A nail-biter for both candidates
Polls indicate an incredibly tight race, with neither candidate pulling decisively ahead in most swing states. Harris’s focus on progressive issues, combined with her appeal to minorities and young voters, positions her strongly in urban centers, while Trump’s strong rural and working-class base gives him an edge in more conservative counties. The result is a fragmented map that, two days from Election Day, could break in either direction.
Crucially, both candidates have intensified their outreach to independent and undecided voters, recognizing that this swing demographic could be the deciding factor. According to recent polling, these voters are largely concerned with the economy, healthcare, and political stability—issues both Harris and Trump are scrambling to address in their final days on the campaign trail.
What’s at stake: A country at a crossroads
Beyond policy, the 2024 election has become a referendum on America’s direction. For many voters, Harris represents a continuation of Democratic policies aimed at inclusion, green energy, and expanded healthcare, while Trump appeals to those desiring a return to his administration’s approach, which prioritized deregulation, a strong stance on immigration, and traditional conservative values.
This race will also likely shape the tone of American politics for the coming years. Harris’s potential presidency would be a historic milestone as the first female and Black-Asian president, symbolizing a more progressive America. Trump, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a defender of traditional American ideals, hoping to revitalize the fervor that brought him to power in 2016.
The road ahead: High stakes and high turnout
The energy in both campaigns has set the stage for an exceptionally high voter turnout, which could be the tipping point in a race so close. Both candidates are deploying all resources, mobilizing their bases, and addressing swing issues in hopes of gaining any advantage.
As Americans prepare to vote, the 2024 election stands as one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, with both sides committed to a vision for America’s future. Whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump emerges victorious, the result will be historic, shaping not just the next four years but potentially transforming the American political landscape for a generation.
With only hours to go, all eyes are on these final rallies and the last undecided voters, who hold in their hands the power to decide the future of the United States.
Madness Entertainment has expanded its talent roster with the signing of 21-year-old Afro Fusion artist Joe Ikon, whose real name is Joseph Chintapasa.
Known for his unique sound and captivating performances, Joe Ikon is expected to bring fresh energy to the label.
Joe Ikon joins Madness Entertainment’s growing lineup which already includes artists Kineo and Aidfest, both prominent names under the label.
Joe Ikon
The move underscores the company’s commitment to fostering young talent in Malawi’s music industry.
Madness Entertainment’s Assistant Manager, Review Wasema, expressed the company’s dedication to artists development.
“The signing of Joe Ikon reflects our commitment to empower and inspire artists.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform for him to grow and reach new heights,” Wasema said.
Madness Entertainment has positioned itself as a key player in Malawi’s entertainment scene, with a mission to nurture emerging talent and create opportunities for growth in the industry.
