UK commits K37 billion to boost girls’ education

The United Kingdom has committed K37 billion to Malawi to boost girls’ education.

The UK government made the announcement during a sideline event at the Global Education Summit in London.

First Lady Monica Chakwera attended the event.

According to British High Commissioner to Malawi, David Beer, the money will support the girl child to remain in school.

On Thursday, the First Lady was hosted at the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs office in London by UK’s Special Envoy on Girls’ Education, Helen Grant, who hailed Malawi’s strides and commitment towards girls’ education.

Speaking at the event, Chakwera said despite the policies and strategies Malawi has in place, the country still needs more classrooms, improved learning environment such as toilets and desks for the young girls to stay in school.

“Malawi has only 47,000 classrooms out of the required 90, 000 classrooms and a deficit of close to 4 million desks for all learners in primary schools.

“This is where we need everyone’s hand to ensure our girls stay in school,” Chakwera said

She further blamed the situation on some cultural norms in Malawi which prefer male children to concentrate on education while girls are continuously engaged in domestic chores, which makes it difficult for them to advance in education.

In her remarks, Grant who is also a British Member of Parliament, said she was impressed with Malawi’s commitment to educating the girl child.

She pledged to travel to Malawi to appreciate the efforts on the ground and see areas in which the UK Government could partner with Malawi