Faith-based organization bails out vulnerable girl-children in Lilongwe

MALAWI: As part of its efforts to promote girl-child education, the NGO Abode Communities plans to reach out to vulnerable girls in order to improve their capacity through the provision of school materials.

In an interview on Monday, the organization's Director, Nehem Indah, stated that their goal is to create a culture in which girls are cared for in their schools and have access to all basic necessities.

“As a faith-based organization we are not only reaching out to the girls with spiritual support, but we are also providing their examinations and school fees, sanitary pads as well as learning materials,” said Indah.

He went on to say that they are collaborating with various teachers from different schools in the district to improve girls' education.

“We are working with teachers so that they should understand issues that girls face so that they should be able to take care of girls in the process of inclusive education,” said Indah.

He also stated that they are collaborating with local leaders to reach out to and return 148 students to school within Traditional Authority (T/A) Kabudula in Lilongwe.

Clever Malema, the Deputy Head Teacher at Ngwangwa Primary School, stated that it is critical to prioritize issues concerning girl child education.

“Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives,” said Malema.

Malema also praised the organization for its initiative to assist more vulnerable girls in obtaining higher education.

Commenting on the same issue, Bertha Folopezi, 17, a program beneficiary who had previously dropped out of school due to early pregnancy, thanked the organization for re-enrolling her.

“Life was so complicated for me and l nearly gave up on my dreams but thanks to Abode Communities for the gift of education," said Folopezi.

She encouraged her classmates who had dropped out of school after becoming pregnant to not be ashamed of themselves and to make the decision to return to school.

Abode Communities is a faith-based organization dedicated to girl empowerment, community support, and children's ministry.