Community stories: Best student award and a journey that must keep going

At the Blu Acciaio community, cycling has always been about more than just the exhilarating feeling of cycling and exploring new terrain. It's just as much about pushing and supporting each other, and the belief that whatever you do, consistency and dedication always bring about progress. That belief is what drives our scholarship programme. It's not big and it's not much, but every few years, we are able to support a student with partial funding for education. This spring, this paid off in the most wonderful way.

Richard, a student we have had the privilege of supporting in Malawi, has just been named best student of his 2025 class in the Bachelor's Degree of Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Selected by an independent panel of lecturers, he stood out among his entire cohort — a remarkable achievement that reflects not only his talent and hard work, but also that even a small amount of support can go a long way.

We are incredibly proud. And we'll let Richard tell the rest in his own words.

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After admission to college, it has been a fantastic journey since 2024. In the 1st semester I did well, likewise in the 2nd. That was the 3rd year of the Bachelor's Degree of Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

In October of 2025, it was time to start the 4th and final year of studies. The mid-semester exams were great as well but, just after the exams, I was surprised to be specifically invited to attend the Best Students awards ceremony organised by the college.

BAM 💥 I was chosen as best student for our 2025 Class. Only I represented the whole BBME course. The choice was done by an independent team of lecturers and there were criteria for selection.

This award isn't only mine, but for all of us there in Norway and here in Malawi. Your dedication and support have done it, not myself. Thank you!!

However, the going hasn't only been smooth, there have been and are still challenging things that threaten this wonderful journey. First, I do not have a laptop for this next semester beginning in April. We are starting to write our dissertation which will require data collection, compilation, analysis, and much more. At this moment I am still using my phone, which has drastically deteriorated in condition. Furthermore, the tuition has been adjusted now twice — it was 550 USD and is now about 750. For the last semester I managed to top up by myself, but it has been raised again, raising more concerns.

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If you want to help us support Richard, please reach out to us. Anything helps. Any support will go directly to Richard, without passing through Blu Acciaio.