Between 1990 and 1999, over 700 scholarships were awarded to students at the Malawi Polytechnic through existing links with the University of Strathclyde. A large number of books and equipment were also supplied in the areas of Civil Engineering and Environmental Health.
Since the Malawi Millennium Project took over these links in 2000, several thousand students attending the Malawi Polytechnic and the Kamuzu College of Nursing have received sponsorship. The Polytechnic and the College of Nursing are constituent colleges of the University of Malawi.
Sponsorship amounts have varied over the years, determined by the funds available and the number of recipient students. It's been as high as half the annual fees. However, the big attraction is the certificate awarded, which is viewed as a mark of excellence.
Malawian students involved in the sponsorship scheme come from all geographical areas, ethnic and cultural groups. The Polytechnic chose the recipient students, based on several criteria:
- exam grades
- behaviour
- attendance
- educational needs are also a consideration
Many of the young staff at the Malawi Polytechnic are former recipients of these scholarships. A number of the existing academic staff at the University of Malawi were also sponsored to undertake technical training. They also had the opportunity to improve their qualifications in the areas of study already associated with the priority views of the project.
The annual awarding of the David Livingstone Scholarships continued until the onset of COVID-19, which stopped all fundraising efforts, particularly by the Graduates Association.
Latterly, around £10,000 was being donated annually. Special ceremonies were also funded to allow students to receive their certificate and stipend. The kudos from being a David Livingstone Scholarship recipient cannot be over-estimated