Science for All initiative is pleased to announce a new sponsor for the MacFarlane Mbewe National Science Quiz, namely Nico Group. The ceremony was held on Monday 30th September at Nico Life headquarters in Blantyre, with the Chief Operating Officer, Chimwemwe Kanyenda making the official handover.
“What an exciting day it is to be here. On behalf of Nico Group, I am absolutely thrilled to join you as a proud sponsor of this incredible initiative – the Science for All (SCI4O) National Science Quiz. We’re here to fuel the future of science, innovation and healthcare in Malawi,” said Kanyenda.
NICO group is pumping in eight million Malawi Kwacha, which Kanyenda says will help to align with NICO’s strategy to empower the next generation, with key focus in education and health for a stronger and more innovative nation.
“By sponsoring this initiative, NICO is making bold statement and betting on these bright young minds, who will go on to make groundbreaking discoveries, improve healthcare, and lead the charge in health research, ensuring Malawi takes its rightful place at the forefront of scientific advancement,” he said.
Adding to what Kanyenda said, NICO Life Innovations and Growth Manager, Dr. Cecelia Mussa underpinned the value of the partnership between NICO Group and MLW in pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Mussa says NICO’s strategy is to empower young people to be productive citizens hence the sponsorship
“Our aim is to inspire the next generation of scientists who will play a pivotal role in shaping Malawi’s health research landscape. And to emphasize, this is aligned with our strategy as a group, because we recognize dedicated and bright minds are integral in driving meaningful change for Malawi”, she said.
The national science quiz, which is spearheaded by the SCI4Oiniative , is dedicated in memory of Macfarlane Mbewe, who was the coordinator of ScI4O at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme.
Speaking on behalf of SCI4O, coordinator for the initiative, Oris Chimphambano thanked Nico Group for their generosity in sponsoring the quiz.
“We are very thankful to NICO Group for this sponsorship which will go a long way in aiding us to pull off a successful maiden national quiz. This is the first of its kind, where we will have schools participating from all six educational divisions across the country, therefore making it more accessible to more schools,” he said.
The National Science for All Quiz is set to take place on 9th November 2024 in Lilongwe, with at least six schools participating. Sci4O is an initiative established in 2016 to inspire young people in Malawi to take up an interest in science.
