First Lady Monica Chakwera has reiterated that access to quality education remains an elusive goal for many girls in the country.
Chakwera spoke during the official opening of Jalira Girls Secondary School, a modern educational facility established in Bolero, Rumphi District.
She said girls face several barriers to quality education, including long distances and a lack of resources.
The First Lady stressed that the presence of state-of-the-art schools like Jalira in Malawi can enhance girls’ education, particularly in underserved communities such as Bolero.
“If we educate a child, we educate the nation. We must not leave our girls behind. The best way to empower women is to educate girls,” Chakwera said.
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She also noted that the school’s opening demonstrates a commitment to empowering girls through education, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Malawi’s development.
The First Lady had previously presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the school in June 2022 and has also initiated plans for a women’s college at the site.
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima pointed out that the country currently has eight national secondary schools for girls, which she described as insufficient compared to the number of girls completing primary education.
Wirima added that the government is actively working to address this shortfall, with approximately 150 secondary schools being built nationwide in collaboration with development partners.
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“This school should inspire Malawians by showing that quality education is also available in rural areas. We are working diligently with development partners to tackle challenges in the education sector,” she said.
The minister also mentioned that the school will provide girls from rural communities with the opportunity to receive high-quality education.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi urged the government to name the school after the First Lady, in recognition of what he described as her pivotal role in initiating the project.
The school’s head girl, Grace Mwandira, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the school, including access to well-equipped laboratories and other learning resources.
Member of Parliament for the area, Yona Mkandawire, urged local business owners to keep liquor shops away from the school to ensure that students can focus on their studies.
The school project was funded by Korean Missionaries, who also plan to construct a Women’s College Foundation, a preschool and other facilities at the campus.
