Voice Awake Initiative Provides Financial Assistance, Resources to Help Underprivileged Girls in Salima District Return to School

Malawi: The Voice Awake Initiative is working to address the high number of school dropouts in Salima district, which is often caused by issues such as early marriages, pregnancies, and poverty, writes Peter Chilongo.

Additionally, the district's location on a lakeshore makes it particularly vulnerable to exploitation by tourists, fishermen, and businesses seeking sexual favours from poor girls.

To combat this, the initiative is partnering with the government to provide financial assistance for school fees and other resources, including sanitary materials, to underprivileged girls in the area.

She added that the initiative is also providing additional resources, such as basic needs and learning materials, to promote education and motivate students.

Senior Chief Kalonga praised the initiative for its efforts to improve the education status in the district.

Emma Kabvala, a student from Msalura Community Day Secondary School who is a recipient of the initiative, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue her education.

Emma encouraged her fellow beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity by taking their studies seriously.