Mphatso School – Blossom Project

Struggles and Challenges

No student should have to choose between their education and a safe place to use the restroom—but at Mphatso School, that was the reality for years. With a total enrollment of 341 students as of last year, there was only a single, temporary pit latrine available. The long wait times in the latrine line forced students to relieve themselves in the nearby bush, creating serious health and safety hazards. Teachers had to seek restroom facilities in nearby houses, further disrupting the learning process

For adolescent girls, the situation was particularly dire. Many would miss a week of school every month during their menstrual cycles due to the lack of hygiene facilities. This resulted in frequent absenteeism and even dropouts, preventing girls from receiving a full education.

When our WWFA team arrived, they spoke with students about their struggles:

Mercy John (Standard 8 student): “My dream of becoming a nurse will now be realized because I no longer have to miss school during my menstrual cycle.”

Cecelia Banda and Regina Alfred (students): These two young girls told us they aspire to become a soldier and a teacher, respectively, and are now more determined to pursue their dreams thanks to the new hygiene facilities.

The headteacher, Eless Maxwell, emphasized the critical need for better sanitation: “Absenteeism was high, and we even had cases of cholera due to unsanitary conditions.”

After the Blossom Project

Recognizing the urgent need, WWFA, with the support of the Brian and Joelle Kelly Family Foundation, initiated the Blossom Project at Mphatso School. The project aimed to improve Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and overall sanitation conditions, fostering a healthier and more conducive learning environment.

Transformation and Impact

The impact of the Blossom Project has been profound:

• Enrollment Surge: The number of students increased from 341 in 2023 to 523 in 2025, demonstrating the community’s renewed confidence in the school’s environment.
• Increased Attendance: More girls are attending school regularly, as they now have access to a hygiene room where they can manage their menstrual health with dignity.
• Reduced Absenteeism and Dropout Rates: Students no longer have to skip school due to unsanitary conditions, and teachers now have proper restroom facilities as well.
• Health Improvements: With better sanitation, cases of waterborne diseases such as cholera have significantly decreased.

Enrollment Statistics (2020-2024):

• 2020: 221 students (109 boys, 112 girls)
• 2022: 369 students (185 boys, 184 girls)
• 2024: 523 students (increase of 148 students, 72 girls and 76 boys)

The Blossom Project is the second major intervention at Mphatso School, building on the transformation that began with the installation of a borehole in 2022. Together, these improvements have transformed Mphatso into a thriving educational institution.

Overcoming Challenges

The road to project completion was not without its challenges. The devaluation of the Kwacha –  Malawi’s currency, difficulties in mobilizing resources, and impassable roads during the rainy season all threatened to delay the project. However, WWFA’s resilience and strategic problem-solving—such as acquiring a brick-making machine and a dedicated project vehicle—ensured that the work was completed successfully.

Immediate Impact and Future Prospects

The immediate impact of the Blossom Project is evident not only in improved attendance and health but also in the students’ newfound aspirations. Mercy John, a 14-year-old who now dreams to be a nurse, shared her appreciation: “Having a hygiene room means everything to me and my friends. It was something we needed but couldn’t even ask for.”

The school has also seen remarkable academic improvements:

• In May 2024, Mphatso School ranked #4 in the Thema School Zone, a significant rise from #10 in 2022.
• 100% pass rate for the 19 Mphato students (14 boys and 5 girls) who participated in district-wide testing in the Mangochi district (310 total students in Mangochi took these exams).
• A student from Mphatso tested at the national level in 2024 which before the Blossom Project and addition of other toilet facilities had not been done, further proving the success of the interventions.

The headteacher, Eless Maxwell, summed it up best: “Our greatest challenge for girls was menstruation—it was the number one reason for dropouts. Today, we have a solution.” Thanks to WWFA donors, these successes are possible!