On Thursday, 21st August 2025, Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO), with support from Save the Children Malawi and funding from NORAD, conducted a vibrant community-based awareness campaign at Mikundi Primary School Ground in the area of Senior Chief Mduwa, Mchinji District.
The campaign focused on parental roles and responsibilities, back-to-school mobilization, and the promotion of children’s rights with special emphasis on the right to education for all children, including those with disabilities, children with albinism, and others often impacted by inequalities and discrimination.
Campaign Goals
The initiative aimed to:
- Bridge knowledge gaps among parents and communities on the importance of inclusive education.
- Increase reintegration of children previously expelled or excluded from school, especially those with disabilities.
- Strengthen collaboration between community structures and schools in supporting education.
- Challenge stigma and harmful norms that hinder access to education.
- Build greater community ownership of child rights and responsibilities, creating a supportive environment for every child’s learning journey.
Participation and Engagement
The campaign drew a wide range of participants, including:
- Headteachers and Primary Education Advisors from Mikundi, Kavunguti, Chimteka, and Kalulu zones.
- Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and relevant government officials from education, court, police, and social welfare sectors.
- Local leaders, school structures, parents, and learners from across the participating zones.
The event was brought to life through performances by the Mduwa Youth Network, learners, and community members, who used music, drama, and storytelling to spread powerful messages on inclusivity, equality, and children’s rights.
Community Voices
Speakers highlighted that parents and guardians must take a leading role in ensuring children return to school and remain there. Local leaders stressed the need for collective accountability, while education officials called for stronger partnerships to ensure no child is left behind.
“Education is every child’s right. Together, we must remove stigma, strengthen collaboration, and give all children including those with disabilities and albinism the chance to learn and thrive,” one Primary Education Advisor noted.
At GAYO, we believe inclusive education is the foundation of social justice and empowerment. This campaign is part of our broader mission to amplify community voices, reduce harmful norms, and strengthen parental and institutional support for children’s rights. With partners like Save the Children Malawi and NORAD, we continue to work towards a Malawi where every child regardless of ability, gender, or background can access quality education and opportunities.
