FAWEMA Calls on Mother Groups to Champion Girls’ Education
FAWEMA, an organisation with a resolute commitment to empowering girls, remains steadfast in its mission to advance education access for all of Malawi’s children.
LILONGWE, MALAWI – The Forum for African Women’s Education in Malawi (FAWEMA) has issued a compelling call to action, urging mother groups across the nation to spearhead the drive for enhanced quality education for girls, the eradication of child labour and violence, the elimination of early marriages, and the reduction of teenage pregnancies, writes Judgement Katika
During a recent training session hosted in the Malingunde zone, Thokozani Phiri, the dedicated project manager of FAWEMA, delivered this message to assembled mother groups, local chiefs, and educators representing 17 schools.
“The future of our nation depends on the education of our girls,” Phiri emphasized.
“We cannot achieve progress without equipping them with knowledge, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty, and ensuring their safety and well-being.”
Phiri underscored the pressing need for collaboration between the private sector and the government to bridge the existing educational gap, ensuring that every child in the country has equitable access to a high-quality education, regardless of their geographical location or family background.
“It is imperative that we work together, harnessing the collective power of public and private resources, to provide a brighter future for Malawi’s youth,” Phiri asserted.
Furthermore, Phiri emphasized the pivotal role played by local leaders, particularly chiefs, in mobilizing their communities to prioritize school attendance and discourage early marriages.
“Chiefs are the custodians of culture and tradition, and their influence is instrumental in shaping community behaviour,” Phiri stated.
“We need their support in this mission to transform the educational landscape of Malawi.”
FAWEMA has also outlined its intention to partner closely with mother groups, recognising the indispensable role women play in nurturing children and their firm commitment to inclusivity in education.
Idah Pitala, a dedicated chairperson of a mother group hailing from Malingunde School, expressed her profound gratitude for the training received, which has significantly bolstered her capacity to advocate for children’s education and self-sufficiency.
“Armed with the knowledge we’ve acquired, we stand ready to both provide and seek out resources that will facilitate access to quality education for every child in our village, thereby reducing the incidence of school dropouts,” Pitala remarked.
In a show of unwavering support, Chief Chibula of Bula Village pledged to ensure that his community is brimming with well-educated individuals by providing them with the requisite resources.
Chief Chibula vowed, “I shall guarantee that every parent sends their child to school, and those who enter into early marriages shall not be permitted to partake in development initiatives.”
FAWEMA, an organization with a resolute commitment to empowering girls, remains steadfast in its mission to advance education access for all of Malawi’s children. Their tireless efforts continue to pave the way towards a brighter, more equitable future for the nation’s youth.