FAWEMA Empowers School Mother Groups to Promote Girls’ Education in Malawi

DOWA, Malawi — The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWEMA) has embarked on an ambitious mission to provide comprehensive training to school mother groups, aiming to enhance their understanding of the mother group concept and their pivotal role in advancing girls’ education, writes Judgement Katika.

This initiative aligns with FAWEMA’s introduction of the “Innovations in Health, Rights, and Development” (iHEARD) project, generously funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The program’s implementation has commenced in the Dowa district, within the Chinkhwiri Zone.

Mr. Clement Kwaule, the Project Officer for FAWEMA overseeing the iHEARD project in Dowa District, is leading this endeavour.

He highlights that previous training sessions have yielded promising improvements and outcomes.

“The individuals we’ve trained have acquired valuable skills through these sessions, equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively monitor and evaluate their work,” remarked Kwaule.

Christina Katantha, a facilitator representing FAWEMA, stressed the high expectations for advancing girls’ education from all quarters.

Many individuals have expressed a keen interest in collaborating with FAWEMA to uplift the prospects of girls in the region.

One participant, Agatha Alikanjelo, a beneficiary of FAWEMA’s training, serves as the chair of the Ndevu mother group.

She candidly shared the challenges encountered before FAWEMA’s intervention, emphasising the lack of hope for girls’ education.

Alikanjelo extended her heartfelt appreciation to FAWEMA for identifying and addressing long-standing gaps in girls’ education. Since FAWEMA’s intervention, notable improvements have been witnessed.

The project’s scope also extends to clubs established in three districts: Lilongwe, Dowa, and Ntchisi.

This initiative underscores FAWEMA’s unwavering commitment to promoting girls’ education and fostering positive change within communities.