Plan International has handed over a 64-bed girls’ hostel at Chisu Community Day Secondary School in Nkhata Bay, constructed at a cost of K112 million under the Child Not Bride project.
The initiative aims to enhance girls’ education by providing a safe and conducive learning environment.
The hostel was officially opened by Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima.
Speaking after opening the hostel, Wirima praised the collaboration between government and stakeholders, highlighting the project’s potential to improve girls’ academic performance and shield them from early marriages and teen pregnancies.
“We have reports that previously, most girls walked over 16 kilometres one way to school, which is not safe for a girlchild, considering the terrain of the district,” she said.
The hostel is part of efforts to achieve pillar number five of Malawi 2063, prioritizing human capital development through access to quality education.
Plan International’s Country Director, Mwape Mulumbi, said the initiative is part of the organisation’s commitment to ensuring girls complete their education.
“We paid close attention to the challenges girls in this community were facing, particularly the long distances to school,” Mulumbi said.
Speaking on behalf of learners, Chisu School Head Prefect, Enesi Kaunda expressed gratitude to Plan International for the hostel, citing its potential to transform lives and improve education outcomes.
“This facility has revived our hope. Beyond the infrastructure, we’ve been empowered to report abuse and protect ourselves,” said Kaunda.
Nkhata Bay District Commissioner, David Gondwe, emphasised the importance of taking care of the facility for future generations, stating that the hostel will help raise literacy levels in the district.
