COL’s Empowering Women and Girls project sparks girls' return to schooling in Malawi.
#COL4D’s Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) @EWG_23 project Concerned Youth Organization (CYO) is making a life-changing impact in the Mapanga community in #Malawi.
Now back in class, reigniting their dreams and determination to succeed, 50 students (31 girls, 19 boys) have returned to school who were previously not in education, employment, or training (NEET). COL and CYO are also addressing key challenges like early pregnancies, financial struggles, and cultural barriers with the help of parents, traditional leaders, and the community.
The catalyst for transformation was through the project activities implemented in the area, where students and those who dropped out shared their stories of struggle and hardship. Among them was Ellen Banda, an 18-year-old girl from Group Village Head Mtenje, who had to halt her education in Form 2 due to a lack of tuition fees and family responsibilities to take care of the siblings following the passing of both her parents.
Ellen expressed her desire to resume schooling: "I had to stop going to school to take care of my siblings. Your support is a tremendous motivation for me to continue my education."
Stories like Ellen Banda's show the power of education and support to transform lives. The project, funded by Global Affairs Canada @GAC_Corporate, not only provides essential learning materials but also brings educational hope and empowerment to the youth of Mapanga.
#EducationForAll #Empowerment #CYOMalawi #GlobalAffairsCanada
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Photos from Col Cemca's post
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Country of Focus: Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the challenges faced by women and girls are both urgent and profound. With 51% of girls married by age 18, early marriage limits their opportunities to complete education and join the formal workforce. This not only impacts their personal growth but also holds back the full potential of their communities.
Additionally, climate change disproportionately affects women and girls. Limited access to resources, decision-making power, and economic assets makes them more vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate events like floods and cyclones. These challenges are interconnected, creating cycles of poverty and inequality that demand urgent action.
The Empowering Women and Girls project works in Bangladesh with two community partners, CMES and SSS, that make change possible. By empowering women and girls to access education, skills, and sustainable livelihoods, we can help them break free from these cycles and build more resilient communities.
Read our full country profile: empoweringwomenandgirls.col.org/countries-of-focus/bangladesh/
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