The Ministry of Education has emphasized the urgent need for a more robust and coordinated effort to improve girls’ education in the country, particularly in undeserved rural areas.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Ministry’s headquarters Capital Hill in Lilongwe after a meeting with Plan International Malawi, Secretary for Education Mangani Katundu underscored challenges that girls face in accessing quality education, including long commutes, inadequate facilities, and economic barriers.
The Ministry, alongside Plan International, aims to bridge these gaps through a strengthened partnership focused on targeted interventions that align with the country’s Vision 2063 goals.
Katundu outlined critical barriers that young girls face, noting that the lack of nearby and adequate facilities often leads to high dropout rates and teenage pregnancies.
He commended Plan International for their ongoing support in building essential infrastructure, providing bursaries, and offering other educational resources but stressed the need for further support.
“We are calling on all partners, not just Plan International, to join us in this effort. By providing safe, quality hostels for girls, we can offer them a chance to focus on their education without the worries of long, often unsafe commutes. This is crucial if we want to keep girls in school and allow them to thrive academically and personally,” he said.
Katundu also pointed out the role that businesses and organizations can play, suggesting that they include the construction of girls’ hostels as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“We already have detailed plans and cost estimates for these projects, which we are more than willing to share. When businesses invest in these initiatives, they’re not just helping to build infrastructure; they’re contributing to a brighter future for Malawi. We’re eager to work together with any organizations willing to make this vision a reality,” he added.
In her words, Plan International’s Country Director, Mwape Malumbi, reiterated the organization’s commitment to creating a supportive learning environment.
She emphasized the importance of community support, explaining that promoting girls’ education requires a holistic approach that involves both schools and communities.
“It’s not just about having teachers or school buildings. We need to create an environment that truly values and supports girls from all sides—at home, in school, and within the community. We want every girl to know her worth, to see herself as a vital contributor to her family, her community, and her country. It’s our responsibility to show them that they have a future beyond traditional expectations and that their education is valuable,” she stated.
The Ministry and Plan International agreed on the need to align their efforts to target areas with the most pressing needs, ensuring resources are deployed where they will have the greatest impact.
