Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has launched the “AU-Africa Educate Her Campaign.”
The initiative aims to help young girls return to school after the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted girls’ education and school attendance.
The launch took place at Buke Primary School in Balaka, bringing together Oxfam, CAMFED, CRECCOM, FAWEMA, and CAVOC, among others, who are leading efforts that include offering bursaries for girls, providing solar lamps, distributing educational materials, improving learning infrastructure and supplying mobility aids such as bicycles.
Director of Education Planning in the Ministry of Education, Victoria Geresomo, highlighted findings from the 2024 Annual School Census Survey, which revealed that girls’ performance and retention rates remain low, with COVID-19 being a major factor. She commended the collaboration among CSOs, noting that their collective effort to support girls’ education aligns with the government’s vision.
Speaking on behalf of the participating CSOs, Oxfam Malawi Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa, reaffirmed their commitment to dedicating resources to ensure the progress made before the pandemic is sustained.
By Yamikani Makanga