By Burnett Munthali
The Director of Education Planning in the Ministry of Education, Victoria Geresomo, has launched the “AU Africa Educates Her” campaign in Balaka, an initiative aimed at promoting education for the girl child and combating school dropout rates among girls.
Speaking during the launch, Geresomo emphasized the importance of keeping girls in school, noting that education is key to empowering them and shaping the future of the nation. “The launch of this initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that girls not only enroll in school but also complete their education,” she said.
Geresomo also called on stakeholders, including parents, teachers, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations, to collaborate with the government in tackling the barriers that hinder girls from accessing education. She cited issues such as early marriages, cultural practices, and poverty as major contributors to school dropouts among girls.
Representing civil society organizations, Oxfam Country Director underscored the critical role of the initiative in addressing the challenges girls face in remaining in school. “This campaign is a game-changer and will provide the much-needed support to ensure that girls complete their education and achieve their full potential,” the director said.
The “AU Africa Educates Her” campaign aligns with broader efforts across the African continent to address gender disparities in education and promote inclusive learning environments. The initiative in Malawi seeks to provide resources, mentorship, and community engagement to create a supportive atmosphere for girls to thrive academically.
As the campaign gains momentum, stakeholders are optimistic that it will bring lasting change and contribute significantly to reducing school dropouts among girls, particularly in rural areas like Balaka.
