Oxfam gives girls’ education K5bn boost

Oxfam in Malawi has scaled up its support towards girls’ education through bursaries and community programmes powered by about K5 billion from the Scottish Government. Oxfam in Malawi country director Edwin Mpando told a stakeholder meeting in Lilongwe on Thursday that the initiative targets equal access to education, with a strong focus on girls under the organisation’s gender justice agenda. Mpando said the programmes are sustainable due to continued partner support, but noted the emphasis on girls reflects longstanding inequalities.

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology director of inclusive education and school health and nutrition Virginia Kachigunda said challenges persist, especially at tertiary level. “Girls are still struggling to access education, and we rely on partners like Oxfam to help address these gaps,” she said. She also said efforts are underway to improve access for learners with disabilities, who often face discrimination.