Meet the Teachers, Part Two

Mr. Chester Jeremiah started his education at Mlale Primary School in the Lilongwe district. He was then selected to continue his education at Mitundu Community Secondary School. After Secondary School he was selected to attend the University of Malawi, Banda College of Agriculture. While there he studied irrigation engineering. After finding out he studied to be an engineer, I asked him how/why he ended up being an educator. He responded saying: “A teacher is a catalyst in a developmental set up of a nation. It is a transforming discipline that changes the ways of thinking and perspective of the citizens. I have joined this discipline to help impart the much needed knowledge this nation is waiting to develop into the youth that are the leaders of tomorrow.” St. Andrews has been lucky enough to have Mr. Jeremiah as a member of staff for the past two and a half years.

Due to his background in Agriculture and Science, Mr. Jeremiah is a member of the Science Department staff. He teaches Mathematics, Agriculture, and Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics). He is an extremely hard working teacher. Recently after a study of student performances, Mr. Jeremiah was found to be the best teacher of the last school year. This meant that most of his students (96%) passed the subjects he was in charge of teaching. This is a wonderful accomplishment for both him and the students; it is also a proud moment for St. Andrews school. 

It is obvious that the students and staff both adore Mr. Jeremiah. After taking a leave of absence during Term Two due to illness, Mr. Jeremiah returned to thunderous applause. He has such a positive outlook for both the school in general and individual students. He will be the first teacher to tell a student that anything is possible as long as they have faith and work hard. He not only believes in all of his students but also in this school; he believes one day St. Andrews will be recognized as one of the top 5 schools in all of Malawi and he works hard as a team player to make this dream a reality. 

Mr. Jeremiah lives here in Mulanje with his cousin. He spends his spare time watching movies, swimming, and playing sports. His passion for teaching and his love for all the students and this school have been such a great example for me as a first time teacher. It is clear that the students and staff here love having Mr. Jeremiah here as much as he appears to enjoy being here.

Mr. Steve Malefula was born and attended public primary schools here in Mulanje. After his performance in primary school he was selected to pursue his secondary school education at St. Patrick’s Secondary School. He did well in school and was selected to pursue a Bachelor of Education (Science) at Chancellor College which is part of the University of Malawi.

Although teaching may not have been his first choice of employment, as his plans started to unfold he began to realize that it was truly God’s calling for him and he answered the call. Mr. Malefula worked at St. Andrews while he was still a student. He then was hired right out of College to join the staff here and has been working at the school for the past two and a half years!

Mr. Malefula is the head of the Science Department here at St. Andrews and manages and guides the other teachers in the department. He also teaches Biology, Chemistry and Physics within the department. Being so invested in this school has shown that he really has a passion for teaching and seeing his students succeed and learn. 

Mr. Malefula lives in the Mulanje area with one of his friends who works at a tea estate. He travels everyday to the school on a minibus. When he is not at school teaching, he enjoys spending time with his friends, and watching movies. I have enjoyed sharing some of my favorite movies with Steve over the months and talking about them after he has watched them. Mr. Malefula has been such a help to me as the head of the Science Department, he is always willing to help guide Lauren and me as first time teachers. It has been so amazing to have the opportunity to work alongside all the teachers at this wonderful school.