By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, May 20, Mana; The Ministry of Higher Education has expressed gratitude to the Forum for African Women Educationalists Malawi (FAWEMA) for its initiative to increase access to tertiary education for students from marginalised areas.

Speaking during a courtesy call at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Principal Secretary Levis Keliyasi Eneya praised the program, saying it would be life-changing for students in rural areas.

“This is a life-changing program and we are so happy that it is focusing on rural girls and boys by providing all the necessary resources including fees and other basic needs.

“This will further uplift different lives of girls to have a chance to fulfil their dreams as most of them cannot afford to attend tertiary education on their own,” he explained.

 FAWEMA’s initiative covers necessary resources, including fees and basic needs.

Deputy Executive Director of FAWE Africa, Teresa Omondi Adeita, revealed that 1,350 students would benefit from the program, which includes a bridging course to ensure quality education. Malawi joins ten other countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, in this initiative.

“The bridging course will help the students from the marginalised areas in Malawi to have access to quality education.

“Malawi is going to be among the top ten countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and others, who will benefit from the program while working hand in hand with the Ministry of Higher Education,” he said.

FAWEMA Executive Director Wesley Chabwera explained that the program supports both boys and girls in pursuing technical college and university studies without financial burdens.

“Students in rural areas do not have access to tertiary education due to many challenges, including financial issues and the coming back on of the problem will help to address those challenges.

“The program started last year helping students in rural areas and will end in 2030, he explained.

 About 80% of beneficiaries are girls, and 20% are boys from across the country. The program, launched last year, runs until 2030.