Zomba Malosa MP Grace Kwelepeta has promised candidates for the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (PSLCE) from 20 schools in her area that she will pay their tuition fees once they are selected in public secondary schools.

The parliamentarian made the pledge as she visited primary schools in Zomba Malosa, including Chilingano Primary School, where she met and gave a motivational speech to standard eight learners ahead of the scheduled PSLCE exams on 13 to July 15, 2022.

“Let me commit to paying the tuition fees of those who will be selected from public secondary schools,” said Kwelepeta, who has so far visited 20 primary schools in Zomba Malosa constituency.

The parliamentarian therefore called on PSLCE candidates “never to be distracted by non-academic matters such as romantic relationships”, saying that irrelevant questions can only contribute to failure in their exams.

“Concentrate on your schoolwork before the exam and never get excited with irrelevant matters such as romantic relationships,” she advised learners.

The MP told candidates that hard work pays off, adding that those who are well prepared have a high chance of being selected from secondary schools.

A PSLCE candidate at Chilingano School, Hestina Chitipi, said the MP’s speech was so motivating, adding that she will respect what Kwelepeta said.

She promised that she would continue to focus on her school work before the upcoming exams.

“With the MP’s encouragement and motivation, I will make sure I pass the exams and get selected for secondary school,” Hestina added.

She in turn called on the other contestants to focus on their schoolwork and prepare well for the exams to secure a first place.

Hestina, who aspires to become a teacher, further called on other applicants to avoid cheating in exams, saying it leads to disqualification, thereby missing out on the chances of being selected for secondary school.

Another PSLCE candidate, Steven Samson, advised other learners to stay focused and avoid focusing on non-school related issues as exam days draw near.

Steven also praised Kwelepeta for giving them a talk which he described as motivational and inspirational enough to lift the spirits of the competition.

In addition to encouraging learners to focus on the exams, Kwelepeta distributed food and non-food items to candidates such as beans, soybeans and pens.

She also provided candidates with torches which should be used in the evenings, as some schools organize evening reading camps under the supervision of teachers.