Foundation for Girls Leadership supports orphans in Lilongwe

A Lilongwe-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known as Foundation for Girls Leadership (F4GL) has embarked on providing educational support to orphans in primary and secondary schools around Mtandile area in Lilongwe.

F4GL founder Memory Banda said the support is aimed at minimizing the challenges orphans face in their quest to access quality education.

She added that through the project called ‘She Dreams for Orphan and Vulnerable Children’ the organization is helping the orphans of between 10 and 19 years with learning materials and other education needs such as school uniforms, notebooks, and school fees.

She disclosed that since February this year the organization has identified 20 orphans which are being supported with schools needs.

He said they decided to support vulnerable orphans after observing that many are failing to complete their education because of financial challenges.

She said the organization is helping orphans to remain in school so that they become responsible citizens in the future.

Banda said the project is also providing Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) education to the orphans

“In Mtandile orphans are dropping out of school and some girls are sexually abused and they end up being impregnated. So we decided to civic educate them on SRH as a means to prevent early pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),” she explained.

Banda further said her organization recently distributed reusable sanitary pads to vulnerable girls in the area as one way of encouraging them to be in school during menstruation.

“It is the wish of the organization to see orphans in Lilongwe city to be in good health and help them not to absent themselves from school when they are menstruating,” she said.

Child protection focal person for Mtandile Joyce Mlotha commended F4GL for its timely supporting saying it will make more girls be in school.

“In Mtandile vulnerable children particularly orphans are facing various challenges to access education. Many are lacking school uniforms, writing materials, and school fees among others,” Mlotha said.

F4GL is currently implementing its project in Mtandile with funding from a Switzerland-based organization known as Mauch for Girls Foundation (WMFFG).