Moderator impressed by generous response to his challenge

In just five months the Moderator's Challenge has raised £34,130 for Lighting up Learning an initiative that has the potential to transform students' lives in Malawi.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson launched the challenge in November 2024 after visiting the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Blantyre and Synod of Livingstonia in Malawi.

The Moderator saw for himself and heard from teachers that in the evenings children and their families had no light in their homes, limiting their opportunities to read and do their homework. He also saw the challenges facing PhD students at Zomba Theological University, where the lack of electricity meant students were constantly dealing with power outages.

Local initiatives supported by the Church have been raising funds to remedy these problems and support education for children and young people. ‘Let your little light shine' funds a simple ‘light library' at their schools, allowing pupils to borrow small solar lights to take home, potentially making a difference to their whole future. And the money raised for Zomba Theological University will fund a state-of-the-art solar energy system.

Dr Paterson said the response to his appeal was far greater than he had anticipated.

"I am completely astounded and deeply humbled by the extraordinary generosity shown in response to the appeal to provide solar lights for Malawi," he said.

"What began as a simple hope to bring light to those living in darkness has been met with a level of compassion and support that has far exceeded anything I imagined. Your kindness will not only transform lives in practical ways—it is also a powerful expression of love, solidarity, and faith in action.

"Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for standing with the young folk in Malawi. Your response has been a light to me too—reminding me of the goodness that shines when we act together."

Each synod has identified primary schools who will benefit from a light library. Together with Sunny Money, the Malawi arm of Solar Aid, the libraries are being put in place along with training for the teachers and information for the pupils.

At Zomba Theological University solar equipment is being installed that will ensure students at the new PhD Centre can study without fear of a power outage.

If you have not yet donated and would like to do so, the challenge will remain open until 31 May 2025. Use the donation button on this page to take advantage of this final opportunity to make a difference.