FAWEMA Targets 750 Youths with Fully Funded University Bursaries
The Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA) has announced that it will award 750 bursaries to young women and young men to support their entry to higher education through bridging programmes at selected universities across the country.
FAWEMA Executive Director, Wesley Chabwera, said the initiative is being implemented under the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Chabwera explained that the fully funded programme is designed for young people seeking to strengthen their academic readiness and improve their chances of gaining admission into university.
“We target young people from marginalized backgrounds to enable their admission into university through bridging programmes to pursue four-year degree courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at selected universities,” he said.
Out of the 750 bursaries, 80 percent are for girls while 20 percent will cater for boys. To ensure inclusion, 15 percent of these bursaries will be allocated to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and refugees.
According to Chabwera, the initiative focuses on economically and geographically marginalized youth aged between 15 and 25, aiming to expand access to higher education and enhance employability, including opportunities for self-employment.
FAWEMA has already issued calls for applications from eligible candidates nationwide for the bridging programmes, which will be offered at Catholic University of Malawi, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Mzuzu University, University of Livingstonia, and the University of Malawi.
“The bursary comes with comprehensive financial, academic and social support to students for the entire duration of their academic programmes,” Chabwera added.
Under the FAWE/Mastercard programme, FAWEMA has already provided bursaries to 340 students in the TEVET sector who are studying in various public technical colleges across Malawi, as well as 69 students who are enrolled in health training programmes at the Malawi College of Health Sciences.
The seven-year FAWE/Mastercard programme is aimed at increasing access to quality and inclusive higher education for 1,350 disadvantaged youth, particularly young women, while promoting skills development and long-term economic empowerment.
