National News

Plan Malawi takes girls campaign to Lilongwe rural

Plan Malawi on Saturday launched its 18+ campaign at Chitedze Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority (T/A) Njewa in Lilongwe.

The 18+ campaign is part of Plan International’s global initiative called ‘Because I am a Girl’, aimed at reducing child marriages, especially among girls.

Girls_self_boardingSpeaking at the launch, Plan Malawi assistant programme area manager Christopher Katutu said through the campaign his organisation wishes to enhance girls’ participation in education as well as increasing their retention in schools.

He, however, said the 18+ campaign does not mean girls should get married after reaching 18, but they should contribute towards achieving sustainable development in the country.

“We establish clubs in schools which act as conduits for our messages. We also train head teachers, teacher mentors and traditional leaders on how to run the clubs. Role models are also engaged to motivate girls to realise their dreams,” said Katutu.

In her remarks, Chitedze head teacher Dorothy Mzungu-Jilani said the initiative has significantly reduced the dropout rate at the school.

“We hold quiz and debate competitions every Friday where 18+ campaign messages are disseminated,” she said.

Related Articles

Back to top button