MBS awards UNIMA students for essay writing excellence
Students at the University of Malawi consistently participate in various competitions organized by different public and private institutions in Malawi, where they showcase their research and writing skills, gained during their studies. Recently, on July 5th, 2024, two students, Mr. Dumisani Nyirongo (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences) and Ms. Yamikani Bottomani (Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics), received trophies, certificates, and cash prizes from the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) after emerging as winners in an essay writing competition organized by MBS in collaboration with the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). Mr. Nyirongo secured second place, while Ms. Bottomani achieved third place. The 11th ARSO essay writing competition’s theme was “Empowering Consumers through Standardization to Achieve their Rights to Safe Quality Goods and Services.” Experienced judges reviewed all 86 essays submitted by students from accredited universities and colleges across the country.
The award presentation ceremony was held in Blantyre, at the Ryalls Protea Hotel, where Mr. Fred Sikwese, the Director of Standard Development at MBS, presented the awards on behalf of the Director General to the winners. During the ceremony, he expressed satisfaction with the number of applicants who participated in the competition as well as the winners. He stated that the competition is organized annually and aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding standardization among the population. He further encouraged students in the country to participate in future competitions by conducting thorough research. He mentioned that through their participation, the youth are acquiring more knowledge, which helps them to spread accurate information to their peers and communities.
Mr. Nyirongo mentioned that he learned about the competition through an email sent to UNIMA students by the university administration, while Ms. Bottomani learned about it through social media. Both were motivated to participate because they strongly believe in the importance of empowering consumers through standardization.
“I am passionate about ensuring that consumers have access to safe and quality goods and services, and participating in this competition provided me with an opportunity to advocate for consumer rights," he said. “I believe that what made me stand out among all the participants in the competition was how I was able to effectively communicate my deep understanding of the importance of standardization in empowering consumers.”
On her part, Ms. Bottomani urged her fellow students to be participating in such competitions and have the belief that they can make it.
“Before attempting the question, they should give themselves more time to read and understand the question, research and outline points,” she said
The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards to all the winners. Mr. Yamikani received a sum of K300,000 for securing the second position, while Ms. Bottomani received a sum of K250,000 for achieving the third position.
This is not the first time for UNIMA students to shine in the MBS essay writing competition. Last year, a student from UNIMA, John Mundewele Banda, scooped the first prize in the same competition (https://www.unima.ac.mw/news/single-post/unima-student-emerges-winner-in-essay-writing-competition-07-08-2023).
