School to improve access to education
Traditional Authority (T/A) Makanjira of Salima has commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through Malawi Interfaith Aids Association (Miaa) for constructing Nakaleza Junior Secondary School in the area.
Speaking on Wednesday during the handover, Makanjira said learners, especially girls, will now exercise their right to education.
“I also thank Miaa for promoting education, gender equality and women empowerment in my area. I have developed by-laws against harmful cultural practices and other practices such as early marriages,” he said.
Miaa executive director Robert Ngaiyaye said the school block construction falls under the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (Gewe) Project which reduces inequalities among women, men, girls and boys in accessing productive resources and development opportunities as well as promoting decision making to contribute positively to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) and accelerate attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MGDs).
“Gewe initiative has really helped to improve literacy levels of women and young mothers as they now know to read and write. They are able to follow proceedings of Village Savings Loans [VSL], record profits and losses in their businesses and follow written health workers instructions,” he said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Mary Shaba said government has planned to continue implementing Gewe projects to benefit many women in Malawi.
She pledged construction of more schools and offices. n
