Skip to main content

Malawian Teacher Hero

Commonwealth Point of Light 217. Temwani Chilenga

Temwani Chilenga, representing Malawi, aged 25, is a primary school teacher who has helped over 95 homeless and orphaned children access education by providing uniforms and fresh food for lunch grown at her home.

Temwani Chilenga

Selflessly using her own £100 monthly salary and international donations collected through Facebook, Temwani has improved the lives of a further 1,000 students by building a fresh water tap, upgrading classroom facilities, purchasing learning materials, and delivering essential development activities.

Temwani said:

“I am so excited that Her Majesty The Queen has recognised my work. The recognition means so much to me and it’s a big way of showing love, encouragement and support. I am so grateful for this. Thank you so much, Your Majesty The Queen.”

David Beer, British High Commissioner to Malawi, said:

“I offer my very warm congratulations to Temwani for this award, and for the recognition from Her Majesty The Queen for her impactful and selfless support to homeless and orphaned children, using her own resources as a primary school teacher. One of the UK’s top priorities in Malawi is that every child enjoys a quality education, and Temwani’s acts of kindness should spur all of us to do more to ensure that no-one is left behind.”

Pictured below: Temwani presented with her award by British High Commissioner to Malawi, David Beer, on a visit to her school.

British High Commissioner David Beer presenting Temwani Chilenga with her award on a visit to her school

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

Volunteer now

Search winners