The first lady of the republic of Malawi Madame Lazarus Chakwera says secondary school girls should be valued as a rare and precious resource, given that the majority of them drop out at the primary level. Madame Chakwera made this sentiment on Monday, July 31, 2023, during the official launch of the 2023 Girls’ Empowerment Retreat at Mzuzu University (MZUNI) Open Distance Learning Ground. The retreat, spanning five days and attended by 500 girls from various secondary schools across the country, was co-organized by Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) and Girls’ Empowerment Trust.
In her address, the First Lady stressed the crucial importance of supporting girls in their pursuit of secondary education at any cost.
“Parents should take a leading role in ensuring that girl children are educated,” added the first lady.
“Women should support girls to get educated by providing them with resources and encouragement until they attain tertiary education.”
She then advised girls to concentrate on their studies.
She explained that opportunities can only be unlocked through education.
“International and local development partners should consider supporting girls especially those in community day secondary schools by constructing hostels because a lot of girls cover long distances to and from school fueling school dropout among girls,” said Madame Chakwera.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima said the retreat will teach girls how to surmount stumbling blocks in their education.
