Malawi Chief Honoured for Crusade Against Child Marriage, Promoting Education
Since 2004, Kachindamoto has withdrawn 2,449 children, including 2,323 girls, from early marriages and ensured their return to school.
DEDZA, Malawi— Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza district received international recognition for her efforts to end child marriages and promote education, celebrated in a ceremony on Monday, writes Bridgette Mwanoka.
Since 2004, Kachindamoto has withdrawn 2,449 children, including 2,323 girls, from early marriages and ensured their return to school.
Her work earned her honorary degrees from two Catholic universities in Belgium: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Université Catholique de Louvain.
At the ceremony organized by the Friends of Kachindamoto, Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza praised the chief's efforts.
"Chief Kachindamoto's work is crucial for our development aspirations," Sendeza said, urging other leaders to follow her example.
George Liwimbi, Chairperson for Kachindamoto Area Development Trust, expressed admiration for the chief's educational initiatives.
"We are impressed with the various interventions the senior chief is implementing to enhance education in our country," Liwimbi noted.
Kachindamoto thanked her community for their support. "I am deeply honored by this recognition and the support from my community," she said.
The event, held on July 8, 2024, was attended by notable figures including Jessie Kabwila, director of the Malawi School of Government Kanengo Campus, and Dedza East MP Patrick Bandawe.
Kachindamoto's work continues to inspire many across Malawi, setting a powerful example in the fight against child marriage and the promotion of education for both girls and boys.