Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education for equal opportunities.
The ministry’s deputy director for inclusive education Lucy Magagula made the pledge at Phalombe Teacher Training College after a three-day Girls Summer Camp organised by Oxfam in Malawi and Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (Cavwoc) under the Empowering and Safeguarding Girls through Education Project funded by the Deutsche Bahn Foundation.
“The ministry is implementing strategies, including the 2020-2030 National Education Investment Plan to support learners and reduce school dropouts and early pregnancies among girls,” she said.
Oxfam in Malawi gender and education officer Twambilire Kayuni said the camp sought to change the girls’ mindset to develop positive plans for their future.
“The girls will go back home strong as they have learned to overcome challenges and decide to make informed choices,” she said.
Phalombe district commissioner Yobu Makina-Gama said the council will construct secondary schools and girls’ hostels using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“Phalombe has 20 Secondary schools, which affects learners’ selection,” he said.
Holy Family Community Day Secondary School Form Four student Shalom Kazembe said the training gave her confidence to focus on her education.
“I was not confident enough and had no idea on how to overcome some of the challenges I face as a girl,” she said.
The girls took part in sessions on goal setting, gender-based violence, interactions with role models and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, designed to build confidence, knowledge and leadership in girls.
