The Education Commission

What is the education commission?

It is an arm of the Catholic Church whose mission, mandate and vision derive from the gospel of Luke 4:18 and from the directive by Jesus to go and teach and baptize, Mt 28:19.

Its mandate is to promote, propagate and defend the kingdom of God through education and training.

Its vision is to provide holistic education that enhances the self – esteem and dignity of the human person in the atmosphere of truth, belonging, care and concern for all.

Its mission is to strive to live and witness through quality value based education for all expressed through the gospel values.

As a commission in the diocese, it oversees and supervises all education institutions especially primary and secondary schools; making sure that they are providing quality education for all and adhering to Catholic values.

Currently there are 89 primary schools, 5 community day secondary schools, 1 minor seminary and 1 girls boarding secondary school.

The Education Commission

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Mr Geoffrey Mdala
Mr Geoffrey Mdala

ROLE DESCRIPTIONs

    • Overseeing the commission
    • Ensuring alignment with Diocese mission and goals

Responsibilities

    • Overseeing education intervention by the Directorate through the commission
    • Report to the Director of the Social Services
    • Ensure that all education institutions are being run according to the Catholic norms

Contact Us


Institutions under this Commission

1. ST. LAWRENCE GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL

Established in 1999 in the Diocese of Chikwawa by late Bishop Right Revevend Felix Mkhori. The Bishop had this vision of giving the girls of the Diocese a chance to access quality and affordable education in the Diocese. As the motto states, his main idea was To Promote the Dignity of a Woman. He used to say that he was one of the people who believed that “if you educate a woman, you are educating a nation”. So these values made a girls secondary school be born just very close to the Bishop’s offices and residence.

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STRUCTURES

The school is made up of several structures which include: the administration block, the academic block with four classes, a science laboratory, a multipurpose hall attached to a kitchen, five hostels with a capacity of 40 students each, a convent where MCA sisters are occupying, a borehole which is a reliable backup source for water and a cattle kraal with over fifty heads of cattle as at February 2021. This ensures that there is a steady supply of beef in the school.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ALUMNI

There is a cordial relationship with the Alumni of the school. One intervention the girls have done is to buy branded face masks for all the students on campus and teachers too. They brought hand sanitisers as well as hand washing liquid. All this was to help in the prevention of the spread of CORONA VIRUS. The Alumni have other activities lined up to show their allegiance to the school.

WORKFORCE

St. Lawrence Girls Secondary School employs both teaching and non teaching staff. And it is also a gender sensitive employer. The school has 11 teachers which includes the Head teacher. It has 14 members of the support staff.

PERFORMANCE

The first national school leaving examination was written in 2002. These pacesetters did so well in their Malawi School Certificate of Education, leaving behind a record that is yet to be beaten. However, that record keeps the other girls to keep on working hard. This has resulted into many girls attaining tertiary education in various University colleges both in the country and outside. This in turn makes the school  contribute to the development of the country through these dignified young women as they work in different sectors both private and public. Some of the girls have gone as far as being in the Boards of Directors in some Authorities in the country while others are serious entrepreneurs, employing others in the long run.

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ST. LAWRENCE GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL

DOES IT HAVE TRADITIONAL DONORS?

The name St. Lawrence comes from Holland where Bishop Mkhori had made friends with a particular family as he was visiting his predecessor Bishop Vroemen. This is the Nilwik family which congregates at St.

Lawrence Parish. This family has established an organization called Chikwawafonds with an aim of directly helping the school in some areas. They have been helping in the science lab, bringing computers in the school as well as sourcing funds for a Solar Power project to be the backup system for power as well.

In a way the family may not be taken as the traditional donors but well wishers who intervene at most critical times. Otherwise it survives on its collection on fees.

2. Mzimu Woyera Seminary

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Mzimu Woyera Seminary is found in Chikwawa district, close to St Michaels cathedral.

The seminary was established in 1980 with an aim of training boys into priesthood. At its inception, it enrolled 66 students and had classes from Std 6 to Form 4. This has changed over time with classes now begi ning from Form 1 to Form 4.

The seminary has educated over 1716 students. These students are enrolled from parishes within the diocese. The seminary depends on school fees, donations, its alumni, ordinary subsidy from Rome and different agricultural contributions from parishes within the diocese for its operations.

The teaching staff for the institution is made up of the clergy and the laity.

Since its establishment the seminary has had the following as Rector: Fr Louis Mmango, Fr J Mwangeya, Fr Henry Biriwita, Fr Alfeo Boloma, Fr Cleophas Nsambokulira, Fr Valerian Mtseka, Fr Lazarus Maloya and Fr James Chidali.

Fr Shadreck Malata
Fr Shadreck Malata

The current Rector

Bishop Felix Mkhori
Bishop Felix Mkhori

Founder

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Mzimu Woyera Seminary


Featured News

Catholic chiefs called to foster unity

Sun

13

Sep 2026

Catholic chiefs called to foster unity

Catholic Traditional leaders from within the Diocese of Chikwawa have been urged to establish good relationship with the communities they serve and also with the Church. The call was made today 13th September, at Mzimu Woyera(Nkhate) parish, where the leaders gathered to mark the beginning of their journey to form a grouping of catholic chiefs in the Diocese. Celebrated under the theme “ Be strong and show yourself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and keeping His commandments … that you may prosper in all that you do” (1Kg2:2-3), the celebration was led by Bishop Peter Musikuwa. In his speech to the leaders, Bishop Musikuwa called on the leaders to execute their duties as a God given mission to serve His people. He therefore, called on all chiefs to have good relations with both the communities they serve and the Church. The celebration was marked by two main parts, Eucharistic celebration with the chiefs together with the faithful of Nkhate parish, and then later an interface between the Bishop and the chiefs. The meeting resolved that every parish must have a functioning executive by December 2026. So far, three parishes, namely Nkhate, Molere and Konzalendo have already been registered.

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Mustard Seed Communities Marks Ten Years with Open Day in Chikwawa

Sun

13

Sep 2026

Mustard Seed Communities Marks Ten Years with Open Day in Chikwawa

The Diocese of Chikwawa joined Mustard Seed Communities Malawi for an Open Day, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at Mpotadzingwe Village, Traditional Authority Kasisi, Chikwawa. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter Musikuwa was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. Priests, Brothers, Sisters, members of the Laity Council, the faithful, partners from Zimbabwe Mustard Seed Communities, government officers, companies and well-wishers attended. Bishop Musikuwa thanked the Parish Priest, Parish Council and Christians of Chikwawa for organizing the day. He expressed gratitude to the District Social Welfare Office for identifying vulnerable children and welcomed the Zimbabwe delegates as a sign of oneness. The Bishop also thanked the Friends of Mustard Seed Communities, companies such as PEP Stores, Centenary Bank, COFO and many individuals for their support. He noted that Mustard Seed Communities arrived in Malawi on 1 October 2016 and is marking its tenth year of service. Bishop Musikuwa encouraged the Church to celebrate this anniversary every year and called for quick repairs to the poor road leading to the center. Village Headman Mpotadzingwe thanked Mustard Seed Communities for the development it has brought and appealed for improvement of the road, which becomes impassable in the rainy season. District Social Welfare Officer Aaron Macheka thanked the centre for its partnership in caring for vulnerable children in line with the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act. He welcomed the plan to introduce vocational skills training. Father Francis Mpatsa, Vice Board Chairperson of Mustard Seed Communities Malawi, thanked all present for their support. Companies and individuals who attended shared various gifts with the children. A luncheon followed the Mass, guided tour and speeches. The Diocese looks forward to continued collaboration with Mustard Seed Communities in caring for the most vulnerable.  

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Chikwawa Diocese celebrates outstanding MSCE success

Fri

11

Sep 2026

Chikwawa Diocese celebrates outstanding MSCE success

Secondary schools under the Diocese of Chikwawa have delivered an impressive performance in the 2026 MSCE results released by MANEB. The Diocese is filled with pride over this remarkable improvement that reflects hard work discipline and dedication by both teachers and learners. Mzimu Woyera Seminary and St Lawrence Girls Secondary School achieved a perfect 100 percent pass rate bringing great joy to the entire diocesan family. Phwadzi Secondary School produced the best candidate among all diocesan schools with an outstanding score of 12 points. Education Coordinator for Chikwawa Diocese Geoffrey Madala, described the results as a clear sign of progress and commitment. He said “This year’s MSCE results show that schools under Chikwawa Diocese have performed well. This shows a great improvement than last year as all schools have managed to produce more candidates with grades that can be enrolled in Public Universities. We take pride in all schools.” Madala further highlighted the excellence at Phwadzi Secondary School where 13 candidates scored between 12 and 19 points showing strong teamwork and determination. The highest points scored by candidates from each diocesan secondary school are as follows Mzimu Woyera Seminary 13 points, St Lawrence Girls Secondary School 15 points, Phwadzi Secondary School 12 points, Nkhate Community Day Secondary School 15 points, Fatima Community Day Secondary School 13 points, Mitondo Community Day Secondary School 19 points and St Michael’s Community Day Secondary School 16 points. These results stand as a powerful testimony to the quality of Catholic education offered in the Diocese of Chikwawa. The Diocese warmly congratulates all successful candidates teachers and school management teams for this outstanding achievement and encourages them to continue striving for even greater excellence.

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CWA meet in Tengani to celebrate Mary’s Motherhood

Thu

10

Sep 2026

CWA meet in Tengani to celebrate Mary’s Motherhood

Catholic women from across the Diocese of Chikwawa begin a three-day gathering today at Tengani Parish in Nsanje District. The meeting runs from Thursday 10 September to Saturday 12 September 2026 under the theme “The Year of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Its focus is “The Catholic Woman, Messenger of Hope in the Family,” inviting every Catholic woman to grow as a bearer of hope within her home. Fr Felix Bzyakulima, Chaplain of the Catholic Women Association in the Diocese, will guide the participants on their spiritual journey and practical Christian living. Sessions will cover how a Catholic woman serves faithfully in the home, the parish and the wider community. Participants will also learn about Synodality, the shared journey of the Church, which rests on one baptism and one faith in God for all Catholics throughout the world. Mrs Nancy Chilenje, Chairlady of the Catholic Women Association in Chikwawa Diocese, said the aim is that every woman leaves the meeting ready to serve her family, her community and her Church with renewed strength. She expressed gratitude to the priests and sisters who prepared the programme, noting that their support helps the women walk together in unity. Beyond spiritual formation, the gathering will offer skills training, including simple business ideas that help mothers improve the lives of their families. Women will also share practical ways of facing the daily challenges that arise in the home. By: Communications Department

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