In its first decade , the mission developed slowly , assisted by regular small donations from his American backers .
Chilembwe founded several schools , which by 1912 had 1,000 pupils and 800 adult students .
In its first decade , the mission developed slowly , assisted by regular small donations from his American backers , and Chilembwe founded several schools , which by 1912 had 1,000 pupils and 800 adult students .