Empowering Out-of-School Learners in Malawi through Alternative Education
The TEAM Girls Malawi Project celebrates graduation of 57 out-of-school learners, providing functional literacy and numeracy skills through alternative education approaches.
MCHINJI, Malawi — Link Community Development Malawi (LCDM) has marked a significant achievement by celebrating the graduation of 57 out-of-school learners in Complementary Basic Education (CBE) at the Kalulu learning centre in T/A Kapondo, Mchinji District, writes Gerald Fanuel.
This success story is a result of the ongoing Transformational Empowerment for Adolescent Marginalised Girls in Malawi (TEAM Girls Malawi) Project, which seeks to provide functional literacy and numeracy skills to learners through alternative education approaches.
Implemented across Mchinji, Dedza, and Lilongwe districts, the TEAM Girls Malawi Project aims to enable learners to acquire essential skills that empower them for success in both formal education and entrepreneurial endeavours.
With a commitment to addressing the educational disparities faced by marginalised girls, the project has reached over 6,000 learners within these three districts over a span of five years.
Esnart Davide, one of the successful graduates from Kaliza village, T/A Kapondo, shared her appreciation for the project's impact: "With the literacy and numerical skills as well as life skills like financial literacy and entrepreneurship I have gained at the learning centre, I will be able to enrol in primary school as well as start a small business to generate an income."
Davide's journey highlights the transformative power of alternative education in bridging gaps and providing opportunities for personal growth and economic empowerment.
She acknowledged the integral role played by LCDM, stating: "I, therefore, commend Link for helping me have access to such education."
Agnes Lyson, another beneficiary from Kaletsa village, T/A Kapondo, emphasised her newfound abilities: "I am able to read and write in Chichewa and in English, as well as counting numbers." This achievement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the CBE programme in equipping learners with essential skills for success.
Recognising the critical role of education in national development, Grace Milner, Director of Basic Education in the Ministry of Education, emphasised the significance of CBE: "CBE is a very important project for the development of the nation, as people who are able to read and write can be productive members in the development and help fulfil Malawi’s vision 2063."
The project, supported by governmental efforts and NGOs, is funded by donors.
Harold Kuombola, Country Director for LCDM, highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and empowerment for all children: "Lifelong learning to transform lives is part of the Sustainable Development Goals, and it is important that no person, especially children, is left behind due to different circumstances."
Kuombola underscored the project's commitment to equipping learners with the skills needed to succeed in education and business endeavours.
As the project continues to make strides, it has impacted over 18,000 learners, demonstrating the potential of alternative education to break down barriers and empower individuals for a brighter future.