Masasa CDSS

Facilities and Resources at Masasa CDSS are very basic. Resources are limited and are often created by the teachers themselves.

The School's science equipment is contained in one small wooden crate -two

100ml measuring cylinders, torn rubber gloves, 2 home-made paraffin burners, two thermometers, 6 syringes, 10 small test tubes and some chemicals (small bottle of copper Sulphate, bottle of distilled water and a bottle labeled 'Acid'). These items were mostly donated by the teachers.

To the left is the water supply to the school. The School is at the top of a hill and the weak water pressure means the supply is not completely reliable.

The split concrete slab covers a padlocked stopcock, so that the tap is not used by the locals . The School has to pay for all the water it uses.

Following fund-raising at Holmfirth, we were able to provide the teachers with a Laptop Computer.

This will enable them, among other things, to write their exam papers, saving the School money.

Without the computer, they have had to pay someone else to type up the exam papers.

The Science equipment is stored in the Headteacher's Office, as this is the only room in School with a lockable Security gate.

Below left, the Form Four students are using a photocopy of part of a textbook to study Chichewa Literature. Chichewa is the National Malawi language, after English.

The students are studying a Play written in Chichewa. Each copy of the text is being shared by at least 8 students.

To the left, Gill Hunter and Bettie Zolowere survey the finished structure and discuss what is needed to finish the Labs to make them suitable for lessons.

Benches around the outside of the labs were ordered and constructed. The Labs now have benches for Students and have stool for them to sit on. Sinks have been installed.

In October 2009, following a non-uniform day, Holmfirth High provided funds to install shelves and security gates to the Prep rooms to ensure that the science equipment will be safely stored.

Science Education in Malawi has been made a priority by the Malawi government and all Secondary Schools must to be able to teach practical Science lessons.

The Hunter Trust provided funds and by November 2007, the science building had been built.

As part of our Expedition in August 2008, we painted educational resources on the walls of the Classrooms.

We had already paid for the walls to be painted in Easter 2008. The teachers told us which resources they wanted and Holmfirth and Masasa students joined forces to create the resources.

Above, is the Deputy Headteacher's 'Office' (Jan 2008). By August 2008, this room has been modified to include a paying in point for the school Fees.

In Form One science, they were studying the digestive system. The next lesson was to be on dissection. The homework was to catch a frog or a rat, and bring to to school, along with a razor blade, some card and small nails to pin the animal to. I'm sure 'Health and Safety' would have something to say if we set that homework in the UK!

October 2009 Update:

The school is hoping to start teaching science practically in the labs with benches, sinks, storage and security nearing completion.

Bettie Zolowere has started a Course at Livingstonia University. Lizzie Mwambazi has taken up the post of Headteacher a Masasa CDSS.

The School has plans to complete a Library.

The total cost of the Building, including shelves etc. will probably be around £9000.

Masasa CDSS will raise some of the money. At Holmfirth High, we hope to raise some of the money, as well, but we are looking for partners to help us to raise some of the funds, especially where such a partner might be able to tap into match funding Schemes.

Masasa CDSS has already ordered 10,000 bricks - they will need about 30,000 in total.

Once the Library has been built, we will need to try to help by providing books to stock the shelves.