On March 6, 2026, stakeholders from across the education and climate sectors, including government officials, civil society leaders, and development partners, joined Link Community Development Malawi (LCDM) in a learning conference focused on a pressing theme: “Strengthening Education Systems: Resilient Schools for Sustainable Development.” At its core, the conference emphasized a powerful vision rooted in climate justice, ensuring that education systems are strong enough to withstand the growing impacts of climate change.
The conference was organized as part of the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Programme, which LCDM is implementing in Neno District, one of Malawi’s regions most affected by climate shocks. In this district, extreme weather events often place communities at risk, exposing families to poverty, food insecurity, and disrupted education. The event therefore served as a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and reflect on practical approaches to strengthening climate resilience in schools and communities.
Funded by the Scottish Government through DAI Global, the CJC initiative goes beyond helping communities survive climate change. Its goal is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have the knowledge, resources, and an important part to play in the face of climate challenges.
Over the past three years, LCDM has worked closely with communities in Traditional Authority Symon in Neno District, supporting local efforts to ensure that schools are better prepared to respond to and recover from climate-related shocks. The programme has focused on five key thematic areas: Resilient Schools, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Livelihoods and Security, Advocacy, Disaster Risk Management
The results have been significant. All 35 schools in the project area have institutionalized Disaster Risk Management (DRM) plans, helping them respond more effectively to climate emergencies. Learners, including those with disabilities, now have improved access to climate risk information, ensuring that everyone is informed and prepared.
Beyond the classroom, the programme has also contributed to increased public awareness of disaster preparedness across seven districts through murals that speak resilience, as well as climate awareness radio jingles which have strengthened communication and resilience at the community level. Access to safe and reliable drinking water has reached 92%, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera. At the household level, food security has improved by 56% among 500 families, while 66% of households have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices to better cope with changing environmental conditions.
One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was that no single institution can tackle climate resilience alone. The event created a vibrant platform for dialogue, where participants shared evidence-based practices, lessons learned, and success stories from Neno and across Malawi.
The conference also reaffirmed the ongoing efforts of the Government of Malawi and development partners to equip schools and communities with the knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related disasters. Ensuring that learners and communities understand what to do before, during, and after disasters is essential for maintaining safe, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments.
Participants emphasized that when government institutions, civil society organizations, and communities work together, the education system becomes stronger and more resilient. By investing in climate-resilient schools and empowered communities, Malawi is not only protecting its education system but also safeguarding the future of the next generation.
Learn more about our Climate Just Communities project