Quanda Johnson & William Preston

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QJ: Gwyn Gilliss

Quanda Johnson (left) and Will Preston.

Quanda Johnson (left) and Will Preston.

media release: Please join us for “Favorite Things: Illuminating Futures”, a benefit concert for International Partners for Education, Inc., to be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, on February 2, 2025, at 2 pm. A reception at the church follows. IPE has been supporting secondary education for students facing financial challenges in Malawi, Africa since 2006. Award winning classical singer and performer, Quanda Johnson, soprano and William Preston, an accomplished pianist completing his doctorate in collaborative piano at UW-Madison will offer classical songs, showtunes, and spirituals. Bethel members Karen Solheim and Cathy Buege, IPE board members, are hosting the concert.

International Partners for Education, Inc. provides funding for the costs associated with secondary education for students facing financial challenges in Malawi. The work occurs in partnership with the Baptist Convention of Malawi, and St. James Presbyterian Church in Blantyre, Malawi. IPE supports partners’ administrative costs related to IPE goals. As the budget permits, IPE supports emergency needs of students or their families and pays tuition and stipends for students admitted to college. Based on gender disparities in education, and the significance of educating girls, IPE allocates 70% of its resources to girls’ education.  Since 2006, IPE has supported 178 students in secondary school. Several IPE supported students have qualified for the University of Malawi, other colleges, or teacher training programs. Students have earned degrees in agriculture, banking, business administration, engineering, environmental health, and nursing, and some are employed as teachers. The IPE board, which meets virtually four to six times a year, is comprised of four board members in Malawi and four in the US.  Partners in Malawi select and mentor students, manage budgets, and distribute funds. US partners network in the US and manage organizational operations. US-based board members have traveled to Malawi three times to collaborate with partners face to face, meet with students and families, and conduct team-based evaluation activities.