Shaping Future Careers: UNIMA Geo-Students' Outreach at Masongola Secondary School

The University of Malawi Geography and Geology students on 28th February, 2025 conducted an outreach event at Masongola Secondary School, one of the schools within Zomba city. The students, who are members of the Geo-students society, came up with the initiative with the aim at promoting Geo-related programs and encouraging secondary students to pursue higher education. The event provided an opportunity to showcase UNIMA’s academic offerings, highlighting the importance of studying Geography, Geology, and other related disciplines. It was a platform to inspire students by dwelling much on the career opportunities associated with these fields.

The students were accompanied by Mr. Grey Chasuka, from the UNIMA Marketing and Communications section, who provided an insightful presentation and brought to light the history of the University of Malawi, the variety of programs available, and the newly introduced UNIMA E-learning programmes. His session was instrumental in broadening the students’ knowledge about the university, making them aware of the flexible learning opportunities available, and helping them understand the process of joining UNIMA.

Mr. Aubrey Mteteka, President of the society and a third-year Geography student, described the event as a wonderful experience that bridged the gap between secondary school students and higher education. He emphasized how the event enabled students to explore various career paths in the various programs offered at the University of Malawi.

Father Chepeth Kalawa, the Chaplain and Head of Humanities at Masongola Secondary School, expressed great appreciation for the visit. He acknowledged the importance of such engagements in guiding students toward higher education.

He stated “the event provided a rare but crucial opportunity for our students to gain an in-depth understanding of what they need to do to join UNIMA.” His words reflected the positive impact the session had on both students and teachers.

The outreach event at Masongola Secondary School was a resounding success. Not only did it promote the importance of Geo-related programmes, but it also encouraged students to strive for higher education. The collaboration between UNIMA students and the school administration created an inspiring learning environment for the students, equipping them with essential information about their future academic endeavours. Such initiatives are crucial in shaping the next generation of scholars and professionals, ensuring a well-informed and motivated student community.