In July Link Community Development Malawi celebrated the graduation of 1182 learners from the TEAM Girl Malawi Project. After completing two years of literacy, numeracy and life skills education at Link’s complementary education centres, these learners will join primary school or enter entrepreneurship programs.
Ms. Grace Milner, Director of Basic Education in the Ministry of Education, recognized Link Malawi for the huge contribution it has made by supporting the Ministry of Education in increasing literacy and numeracy levels. She also thanked Link for leading in ensuring that no one is left behind through inclusive education. She encouraged learners to use these new skills to bring change.
“Utilize the skills and knowledge that you have been given and be changemakers in your communities.” – Grace Milner (Director of Basic Education)
Country Director for Link Malawi, Harold Kuombola said the graduation was a milestone to the learners who have defied all odds to successfully complete their two-year learning journey despite many difficulties. He thanked the Ministry of Education for the strong partnership and collaboration in ensuring that young people, no matter their starting point in life, should have an equal chance and live a life they have chosen.
“All young people deserve an equal chance to obtain quality education and pursue their aspirations: to live a life of their choice.” Harold Kuombola
One of the graduating learners Agnes Layson, said the project has helped her to be able to read and write and she promised to do well in her Primary School.
“I am excited to go back to Primary School. I will work hard so that I become a teacher one day.” Agnes
Link has been implementing the TEAM Girl Malawi Project in Dedza, Mchinji and Lilongwe Districts since 2017. Of the 6300 learners (5250 girls and 1050 boys) enrolled, 4190 girls and 808 boys have successfully completed their two-year CBE programme. This represents 80% CBE completion rate. From the learners who completed their studies, 19% have transitioned to primary school; 18% to vocational training such as tailoring, carpentry and hairdressing; 31% transitioned into entrepreneurship training; and 32% to pursue their own income generating activities from the business trainings received.
Written by Rebecca Hami, Link Education Malawi Programme Assistant