Beyond the Classroom: A Holistic Approach to Education

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa has urged students to cultivate a spirit of giving and service for them to become compassionate and responsible citizens.

During a visit to St. Maria Goretti Girls Secondary School of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, on October 27, 2024, Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized the importance of instilling values in young people.

His Lordship expressed optimism about the future of the country if schools continue to prioritize character development alongside academic excellence.

“We emphasized on being servants, especially sharing to others love, because all that builds the world, all that makes all the better places love, we need to have a concern for another person. Therefore, our discussion with them was to help them to understand that in the world that they will be living in, especially when they become professionals, is to serve others,” he said.

In her remarks, the head girl of the school, Grace Khoza expressed gratitude for the bishop’s visit as it has inspired them to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives, both academically and morally.

Khoza added that the coming in of the bishop at the school encourages students to seek divine guidance through prayer, believing that it can enhance their knowledge and understanding.

“I can say that he (bishop Mwakhwawa) has helped us so that we can get our moral values, that we can be good students, and we can get educated in many different ways,” she said.

The principal of the school, Sr. Sreelatha Kudumula praises the improvement which is at the school since implementing spiritual and moral classes this year.

Sr. Kudumula says prior to the introduction of these classes, student suspensions were a common occurrence. However, since the start of the academic year, the school has not suspended a single student.

“Previously, every week we were suspending the students because of their behavior. But now, after starting this academic year, we did not suspend anyone because a lot of the change we have seen after starting the spiritual and moral classes. So, the classes are helping. Each teacher has a chance to teach moral and spiritual classes,” she concluded.

The visit which started with the holy Mass concluded with an interactive session where students had the opportunity to ask the bishop questions for further clarification and the bishop also gifted them with Holy Rosaries among others.