Secondary school cluster leaders in Ntcheu and Dedza districts have committed to help students who have been selected to pursue higher education to apply for student loans during the 2025/26 loan application period.

Speaking during a sensitization meeting held at Ntcheu Secondary School, a cluster leader and Head Teacher at Ntcheu Secondary School, Jilles Puma, emphasized their commitment to ensuring that no deserving student misses the opportunity due to lack of information or challenges in the application process.

“I don’t think any teacher would allow their best performing student to miss out on a university opportunity due to financial problems, especially when Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) is there to assist. As cluster leaders in Ntcheu, we will ensure the information reaches everyone, and we will assist those facing challenges in applying for the loan starting with the 2025/26 loan cycle, now that the application window is open,” said Puma.

He further said that teachers are always proud to hear that students from their respective districts have made it to the university.

He said that they will utilize management meetings, career talks, and other forums where they engage with stakeholders, parents, and students to disseminate information about students financing opportunities available for students.

He said the provision of the right information will motivate students to work harder, knowing that financial support is available.

“Lack of information about student financing has in the past contributed to fewer students proceeding to higher education, as many are unsure where they will get school fees even after being selected.,” added Puma.

In Dedza, during a similar meeting, President of Secondary School Head Teacher’s Association in Dedza, Joshua Nkhata expressed his appreciation to HESLGB for providing firsthand information at the right time.

“This is a very good initiative, previously, we only heard about HESLGB through the radio or read about it in newspapers. Now we have all the information, and it has come at the right time, as students are currently applying for the 2025/26 loans,” he said

Nkhata said that the teachers will ensure that the information is shared with all the teachers in the district.

The loan application window for the 2025/2026 loan cycle opened on April 1 and will close on May 30, 2025.