Oxfam inspires girls
Oxfam in Malawi has motivated girls from primary and secondary schools in Balaka District to work hard in class and be confident to achieve their dreams.
Speaking on Wednesday at Balaka Secondary School at the end of a girls’ summer camp, Oxfam in Malawi country director Lingalireni Mihowa emphasised the importance of the summer camps in building life skills for girls.
She said: “We are trying to mould the girl to not just be a learner, but a leader.
“The girls have covered a lot of subjects that are important for the lifespan of a girl, issues like self-confidence, goal-setting, self-esteem, leadership and issues of sexual and gender-based violence [GBV].”
Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaola Mdooko said the initiative aligns with the country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063, whose enabler number five is human capital development.
“We are pleased that the girls have gained skills and knowledge on how to build their confidence, self-esteem and awareness of gender-based violence,” she said.
Balaka district commissioner Tamanya Harawa commended Oxfam in Malawi and Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (Cavwoc) for empowering girls.
“However, we should not only focus on empowering the girl child, leaving behind the boy child who also faces many challenges,” he said.
Form Three student Alice Mkakamira said the camp boosted her self-confidence.
“I see my dream of becoming a nurse turning into reality one day because I have the support I need,” she said.
With funding from Oxfam Hong Kong, Judith Nelson Foundation, Medical Foundation and the Scottish Government, Oxfam in Malawi is implementing Education Support Project in Balaka and Phalombe districts.
The girls went home with gifts such as notebooks, schoolbags and bicycles for those who walk long distances to school
