Smile Life Insurance Company has stepped up its support for higher education with a K5 million donation to the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) Endowment Fund, aimed at helping needy and deserving students access university education. Presenting the cheque at a ceremony held at the University, Smile Life Chief Executive Officer Beatrice Mangwana said the company recognises education as a critical investment in developing the human capital needed to drive the country’s socio-economic development. Mangwana said Smile Life was committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young people to acquire quality education and contribute meaningfully to society. She also commended CUNIMA for its holistic approach to education, saying the University’s graduates are equipped with knowledge and values that enable them to make a positive contribution to their communities and the nation. Mangwana further described the 15-year relationship between Smile Life and CUNIMA as a strong partnership that demonstrates the value of collaboration between the private sector and higher education institutions. Receiving the donation, CUNIMA Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Moto expressed gratitude to Smile Life for responding to the University’s call for support towards the Endowment Fund. Professor Moto said the University has set an ambitious K1 billion fundraising target for the Endowment Fund, which is expected to enable CUNIMA to support 100 needy students every academic year. “This contribution from Smile Life is a significant step towards achieving our goal of ensuring that deserving students are not denied access to higher education because of financial challenges,” said Professor Moto. He disclosed that CUNIMA will hold a golf tournament in October this year as part of its fundraising drive and appealed to companies, organisations, alumni and well-wishers to support the initiative. The Vice Chancellor said partnerships with the corporate sector are essential to ensuring the sustainability of the Endowment Fund and expanding opportunities for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. CUNIMA launched the CHENS (Championing Higher Education for Needy Students) Endowment Fund last year as a long-term initiative to mobilise resources for students who demonstrate academic potential but face financial barriers to completing their university education. With a target of K1 billion, the Endowment Fund represents one of CUNIMA’s major efforts to promote inclusive access to higher education, while the planned October golf tournament is expected to provide another platform for the corporate sector and other stakeholders to contribute to the initiative. The University has since called on more partners to join Smile Life in supporting the Endowment Fund and helping more deserving students realise their academic aspirations.