Maranatha Academy has awarded a K20 million scholarship to Miss World Malawi 2026 star Ireen Navicha to pursue a Master’s degree at Sharda University in India
The award honors Navicha’s historic feat as the first Malawian to reach the Top 40 at Miss World 2026 in Vietnam. She also finished Top 10 in Africa, Top 6 in Africa for Beauty With a Purpose, and Top 4 in Africa for People’s Choice. Navicha first joined Maranatha Academy at age 11.
Maranatha Academy Managing Director Dr. Ernest Kaonga said the scholarship celebrates her achievements and impact.
“This is one way of changing our students’ lives because we know that their success is our success,” Dr. Kaonga stated. “Ireen is an inspiration to young girls across Malawi.”
Navicha thanked the school and said she will use the opportunity to expand her advocacy for the girl child. She plans to establish a hostel to help girls who dropped out due to early pregnancies return to school.
