First Lady Monica Chakwera touts education as catalyst for development

Malawi’s First Lady Monica Chakwera has touted education as a catalyst for the development of Malawi.

Chakwera made the sentiments in Lilongwe on Saturday when she presented a K131.7 million cheque to 12 cooperative groups from seven traditional leaders in the area of Senior Chief Masula.

The funds, provided under the Titukulane project, are part of the initiatives undertaken by the First Lady’s Shaping Our Future Foundation, in collaboration with Spark Micro-grants.

The project aims to economically empower vulnerable communities and women’s groups in rural areas, with the specific objective of ensuring that guardians are financially supported in providing education for their children.

During the event, Madam Monica Chakwera emphasized the significance of education in driving the nation’s development.

She stated, “Education is crucial for our country’s progress. We must prioritize it, especially in rural areas, to ensure a brighter future for our children and the overall development of Malawi.”

Express Moyo, the Country Director of Spark Microgrants, highlighted their organization’s commitment to reaching out to rural communities, which constitute a significant portion of Malawi’s population.

Moyo explained that Spark Microgrants provides both financial and technical support to projects such as Titukulane.

The Titukulane Project was launched in 2020, with the initial focus on raising awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic among rural communities.

The project’s objectives are centred around achieving sustainable, equitable, and resilient food and nutrition security for ultra-poor and chronically vulnerable households. The project’s geographical scope may vary depending on donors and aligned activities.

The First Lady’s dedication to empowering rural communities through education and economic initiatives underscores the government’s commitment to fostering equitable development across the country.

Through collaborative efforts and support from organisations like Spark Microgrants, it is hoped that initiatives such as Titukulane will contribute to the overall socio-economic advancement of Malawi’s rural areas.