Hoho Actionplus Organization Applauds Role Model Initiative for Promoting Girl Child Education
Hoho Actionplus Organization has praised the role model initiative as a powerful tool and strategy for advancing girl child education in the country, writes Alinafe Sambo.
Kasungu, Malawi - Hoho Actionplus Organization has praised the role model initiative as a powerful tool and strategy for advancing girl child education in the country, writes Alinafe Sambo.
Noah Nhlane, Executive Director of Hoho Actionplus Organization, expressed this sentiment during an interview with AfricaBrief while discussing a role model in the education program implemented in partnership with Care Malawi in Kasungu district.
The program, which is currently being carried out in the Wimbe and Chamama education zones, covers 74 primary schools.
Nhlane highlighted the positive impact of the role model program, noting a steady improvement in pupil enrollment and grades, particularly among girls, since its inception in 2021.
According to Nhlane, the organization mobilizes role models such as female journalists, nurses, and police officers, who visit schools to deliver motivational talks and offer career guidance to the learners.
"Role models in education play a crucial role as they instil hope, inspiration, and belief in learners, especially those from rural areas," stated Nhlane.
He emphasized that his organization provides students with role models to look up to and aspire to be like, fostering hope, inspiration, and positive habits that encourage hard work and self-belief to achieve great things in life.
Nhlane further explained that many learners, especially those in rural primary schools, face educational challenges due to the lack of individuals they can admire and seek guidance from.
Supporting Nhlane's perspective, MacMillan Musamude, the head teacher of Chanthipwi Primary School, praised the project for boosting the confidence and future prospects of girls through hard work.
Musamude also credited the role model program for significantly reducing school dropout cases from 44 to 13 and improving the academic performance of learners.
"The role model program has been highly beneficial at our school. It has helped reduce dropout cases, and many learners who previously left school for various reasons have returned and are excelling in class," Musamude affirmed.
Musamude highlighted that the role model program has also facilitated communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including parents and chiefs, to enhance education standards in the area.
Bethel Phiri, a fifth-grade student at Chanthipwi Primary School, expressed her enthusiasm for the young female role models and aspired to follow in their footsteps.
She said, "Seeing young female professionals is inspiring. I will work hard to complete my education and achieve success in life."
Echoing Musamude's sentiments, Verson Fichani, the head teacher of Chalizga Primary School, called for collective efforts from all education sector stakeholders to provide learners with both skills and educational materials.
Fichani identified the role model in the education program as a fruitful initiative in promoting girl child education in rural areas.
Fichani also highlighted notable improvements in learners' grades, resulting in two girls from the school being selected for Kasungu Secondary School, which he described as a significant achievement in the school's history.
Easter Gama, a sixth-grade learner at Chalizga Primary School, shared her motivation for the role model initiative and pledged to work diligently to achieve her dreams.
"I used to think that only wealthy people could complete their education and become doctors, but with the introduction of these role models, my perspective has changed. I now firmly believe that with hard work and determination, I will finish school and realize my dream of becoming a nurse," Gama expressed.
The role model in education programs continues to make a positive impact on learners' aspirations and achievements, particularly in promoting girl child education in rural areas.