The project seeks to ensure that girls remain in school
Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) visited Masambanjati Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Thyolo as part of its ongoing efforts to promote girls’ education in rural communities.
During the visit, CCDO’s Projects Officer, Sandrina Chaplain, engaged with school authorities, students and parents of girls who are benefiting from the organization’s bursary support program.
Currently, CCDO is supporting 12 girls across three schools: Masambanjati and Mikate CDSS in Thyolo, and Thuchila CDSS in Mulanje. The support focuses primarily on covering school fees, ensuring that vulnerable girls remain in school and are not forced to drop out due to financial challenges.
One of the beneficiaries’ parents, Florence Namakhwa, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the support.
“Before CCDO stepped in, my daughter missed months of school due to unpaid fees. Now, she’s consistently in class, focused and full of hope,” she said.
Teachers at Masambanjati CDSS have also observed a positive change in the students receiving bursary support. Siyonile Nyambose, a teacher at the school, commended the initiative and encouraged CCDO to extend the program to reach more students in need.
“This initiative is changing lives. It’s encouraging to see the impact it’s having on these girls, both academically and emotionally,” she said.
Sandrina Chaplain emphasized the importance of keeping girls in school, especially in rural areas where the risk of early marriage and school dropout remains high.
“When girls are denied education, they are at greater risk of early marriage and school dropout. CCDO is committed to breaking these barriers and building brighter futures for every child,” she stated.
In response to the growing demand for support, Chaplain also disclosed that CCDO is planning to scale up the bursary program to reach at least 30 vulnerable students in 2025.
CCDO officer, school authorities, students and parents
When girls are denied education, they are at greater risk of early marriage and school dropout.