Malawi School Empowers Girls

Malawian/Canadian Partnership Defies Odds

Since Atsikana Pa Ulendo (Girls on the Move) Secondary Girls' School opened its doors in January 2008, it has gained worldwide recognition as a quality school with a difference.

Atsikana Pa Ulendo (APU) is the culmination of the long-time dream of Malawian Memory Chazeza and Canadian Christie Johnson. Chazeza believes the best way to give girls dignity and independence is to give them an education, "The only way out [of poverty] is for the women to get educated. Then they will have a choice, and they will be respected in their communities," says Chazeza.

Malawian Girls Gain Dignity and Respect

Although schooling is encouraged by the Malawian government, most women only attain a rudimentary education. They are encouraged to marry and have children at a young age. This leads to a life of dependency, poverty and abuse.

Chazeza is director and teacher at the new secondary girls' school near Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. As an orphan who was able to attain an education and ultimately become successful, she is a strong role model for the girls.

"The girls will have the experience of seeing another woman realize her dream. It will be an empowering experience for these girls. It is an opportunity for all the girls to realize that they can do it too," says Johnson.

The girls come from poor families, families that would be unable to send their children to school if it weren't for the generous support of Canadian sponsors. "These girls they've got the potential, but they just need someone to help them," say Chazeza.

Raising Money for Malawi School in Canada

The school has been made possible through the hard work of Canadians and Malawians alike. While Chazeza works to make the project a success in Malawi, Johnson works tirelessly to raise funds, "This school is literally being built brick by brick. It's a lot of work trying to raise the money, and the money comes little bit by little bit," says Johnson. This is truly a grassroots project initiated by people like Johnson and funded by individuals, schools, Rotary Clubs and other service organizations across Canada.

The goal is not to create dependence on foreign aid but to give Malawians the resources they need to take charge of their own future. The school will rely heavily on Canadian funds until the infrastructure is in place to educate 320 girls. Within a few years, the foreign aid will end, and the school will be on its own and self-sustaining.

Another unique aspect of the project is the ownership Malawians are taking. The local chief donated land for the school. The teachers and staff are all Malawian, and the Malawian board is made up of local professionals: an accountant, a lawyer and Rotarians. The Canadians are involved to supply funding and support, not to run the project. This will be a Malawian school for Malawians.

There are still years of work ahead in both Canada and Malawi. There are more funds to be raised. There is more construction to be done. And most importantly, there are more girls to be educated. The school is now at half its eventual capacity of 320 students. The next 80 girls will begin their education in January of next year. The school will not reach full capacity until 2011, but it is well on its way to success. Atsikana Pa Ulendo is already changing lives and making a difference.