“Ending child marriages, keeping young people in school, and preventing all forms of violence starts with us working together and ensuring access to critical services and information. This is why we work closely with the police, schools, district authorities, health personnel, and others,” said Michael Mchemula, speaking on behalf of members of the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza Network in Senior Chief Nsamala, Balaka, Malawi.


He was sharing their roles and experiences in promoting access to and retention in education under the Scottish Government–funded Girls Initiative for Resilient Learning and Support (GIRLS MRZ) Project, implemented in the district. Oxfam in Southern Africa Malawi Programme, in collaboration with the Concerned Youth Organization, hosted Mr. James Mcnulty,  The Scottish Government Inclusive Education lead, in Balaka and Machinga districts. The visit provided an opportunity to engage with government officials, students, teachers, parents, community action groups, and local leaders to reflect on progress, understand impact, and identify opportunities for strengthening collaboration.
 

At the heart of the visit were the voices of young people themselves. Students demonstrated how the project is not only keeping them in school but also inspiring them to pursue STEM pathways, while calling on stakeholders to support their transition into tertiary education. Parents also shared practical recommendations on how to strengthen inclusive learning environments for all children.
 

“My name is Lauren Phiri, and I am a student at Machinga Secondary School,” she shared. “I was the only girl selected to my school from my primary school, and I aspire to become a doctor. However, my journey has not been easy. My parents could not afford school fees and basic needs. My uncle supported me, but when he passed away, I faced uncertainty again.


Being selected for the bursary programme has been life-changing. It has brought me closer to achieving my dreams. I also attended a girls’ summer camp where I met women who are now doctors and engineers. Their stories showed me that my dream is possible. I am truly grateful for this support, it is helping me stay in school and work towards my future.” Lauren’s story reflects the transformative impact of investing in girls’ education, not only changing individual lives, but also challenging the structural barriers that continue to hold girls back.


Speaking during the visit, Ms. Lucy Magagula, Deputy Director responsible for Inclusive Education at Malawi’s Ministry of Education, expressed appreciation for the initiative. She highlighted how the project is advancing inclusive education by supporting access to essential learning needs such as bicycles to ease mobility, uniforms, and learning materials.
At district level, the urgency of this work is clear. Wezzie Kacheche Banda, Machinga District Director of Education, Youth and Sports, underscored the scale of the challenge:
“According to the Social Welfare Office in Machinga, the district recorded over 14,000 child marriages in 2025–2026. Girls are navigating deeply rooted social norms that limit their access to education. 

Through this project, more girls are staying in school, and participation has improved, giving hope and motivation to many others.” Her remarks highlight the critical need for sustained advocacy, community engagement, and investment in girls’ education as a pathway to ending child marriage and advancing gender equality. Currently, under the GIRLS MRZ project in Malawi, 500 vulnerable girls, including 55 girls with disabilities, are supported with scholarships, tuition (where applicable), and essential learning materials. This support is significantly improving school attendance, retention, and participation.


Through collective action, bringing together communities, government, and partners, the project is helping to ensure that girls not only stay in school but are empowered to lead, thrive, and shape a more equal future.


To learn more about some of the project interventions: click here
Provision of Bicycles to ease mobility: click here