SEED geared up for Standard Bank ATEM school drama competition national finals

South East Education Division (SEED) says it is not resting on its laurels as the Standard Bank Association for Teaching of English in Malawi (ATEM) school drama competition national finals are scheduled for this weekend in Lilongwe.

Zomba Catholic Secondary School – who emerged winners within the division, Sir Harry Johnson School – who came second, and High Profile Secondary School are representing SEED for the finals slated for 17 and 18 May, 2025.

Chairperson for South East Education Division who is also Vice Treasurer for ATEM at national level, Flora Palasa Ntila, says the division is leaving no stone unturned as preparations are being intensified with the target of winning the competition at the centre of everything.

She said, “All the schools are ready and are set to leave on Friday for Lilongwe to showcase their plays. As a division, our target is to win so that people appreciate our efforts in the division. We are grateful for the donation from Standard Bank as it has given us a huge momentum as we continue to spread messages about the evils of human trafficking which is a national concern”.

Ntila further said the drama competition helps to improve English competence among learners as part of curriculum requirements.

“As students are competing, they improve their English fluency and also meet the four elements in literature of listening, speaking, critical thinking and analysis. To the teachers, the competition helps them to be more creative as they also want their efforts to be recognised”.

Standard bank has bankrolled this year’s ATEM school drama competition to the tune of K20 million with an aim to bridge financial gaps and strengthen the overall vision of the event and a commitment to promoting arts and culture as powerful tools for identity formation, youth empowerment and national development.