Grace Mwale – A pioneering student

Grace Mwale is 18, the second born of three children. Since her father passed away when she was five her mother managed on her own to raise money for fees and other needs at Mitundu Secondary School where Grace obtained good enough grades for any higher education of her choice. But she was unable to proceed without funds for fees.She had been looking for sponsorship from different individuals and church groups but nothing happened until she met the people’s warden of St. Mark’s Church, Mzuzu who advised her to approach the Diocesan Bishop. Bishop Fanuel told her that the diocese only offered support for students studying Nursing & Midwifery or Clinical Medicine.  Grace showed great interest in Clinical Medicine and believing her to have the potential to be an outstanding student he contacted Malamulo College of Health Sciences where interviews were about to begin.  Out of 800 applicants Grace was one of 60 selected.Grace’s ambition is to become a Clinical Officer with a difference. For a woman to become a Clinical Officer is very unusual. She will be the first to serve in the diocese of Northern Malawi and she hopes to be an inspiration to other girls.The population of Malawi is 17 million but there are only 260 doctors, so many Health Centres, especially in rural areas, do not have a qualified doctor even though 80% of the population live in rural areas.  Clinical Officers fill this gap that has existed and will exist for decades.   Are they Nurses?  Yes, and a bit extra.  Are they doctors? No, but will cope with all comers to their 40 to 60 bed Health Centre and with intermittent supplies of drugs and electricity. Are they surgeons?  No, except for caesarian sections!The Diocese of Northern Malawi has been trying since 2002 to find places and to support able students wanting to undertake clinical or nurse training.  In return the students undertake to work in Northern Malawi for at least five years after graduation.  The diocesan funds for bursaries are already fully committed to school pupils and students in training.  The new partnership with Team Malawi will enable them to do more.The College fees for her three year course are £1200 per year.   Grace will also need help with a second-hand laptop, buying her uniform and shoes.