FAWEMA trains teachers on gender equality in Dowa
FAWEMA Empowers Teachers in Gender Responsive Programme Training, writes Mphatso M'bang'ombe.
Dowa, Malawi - In an effort to promote gender equality and enhance educational opportunities, the Forum for African Women Educationists in Malawi (FAWEMA) organised a five-day training session at Ndevu Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Dowa district, writes Mphatso M'bang'ombe.
The training targeted primary and secondary school teachers from Chinkhwili zone and aimed to equip them with essential skills in the Gender Responsive Programme (GRP).
This initiative is part of FAWEMA's larger project, "Innovations in Health Rights and Development" (iHEARD).
Speaking about the training, Rebecca Makanga, FAWEMA's national trainer in Gender Responsive Programme, emphasised the importance of applying the knowledge gained during the five-day session.
Makanga stated, "The training will help teachers understand more about GRP, mainstream whatever they have been trained in during the five days of training, and apply the gained in their respective schools. As FAWEMA, we expect to see increased learners' enrollment, reduced learners' dropout, a conducive learning environment for both boys and girls and learners supported by both teachers and parents."
Clement Kwaule, FAWEMA Project Officer in Dowa, highlighted the significance of the training for the 53 teachers in the Chinkhwili zone.
He explained, "The training will help the 53 teachers in 13 schools at Chinkhwili zone to be gender-responsive. As FAWEMA, we expect improved learning outcomes and more girls participating in school activities."
Kwaule further mentioned that the gender-responsive model, developed by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) in 2015, equips teachers with the skills to address the learning needs of both girls and boys, promote equal treatment in the classroom, and develop gender-responsive lesson plans.
Headmaster Samu Mngelezi of Chinkhwili CDSS expressed gratitude to FAWEMA for their efforts in building the capacity of teachers in the zone. Mngelezi said, "As one of the participants, I expect a reduced dropout rate of learners in their respective schools."
He acknowledged the training's potential to positively impact learner retention and create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
The iHEARD project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), is being implemented in Dowa, Lilongwe, and Ntchisi districts.
Through initiatives like the GRP training, FAWEMA is working towards gender equity and the advancement of educational opportunities for all students, fostering a more inclusive and empowering learning environment in Malawi.