Stories from the field

October 11th, 2021

Did you know the United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child? This day of celebration brings attention to the purpose of education, healthcare and learning opportunities for young girls. The theme for 2021 is Digital generation. Our generation.

Our students and teachers are working hard, even on evenings and weekends, to finish this year strong. At the end of next year, our present group of 60 girls will be writing National Exams. The focus is study, practice exams and English learning — the most critical and challenging component of the National Exam.

The girls are off to their homes for a two-week break with the expectation that they focus daily on a two-hour study time. They will have school work, and there is an opportunity to connect with other girls in their village, compare and share what they have learned, and exchange ideas. Parents arrive on motorbikes to pick up their daughters, who are excited to go home for the break. The motorbike is the mode of transportation in Malawi.

The girls were excited to participate in their first trip off-campus. They had a good break from their studies and enjoyed a bus trip to a nearby river where they could rejoice in the natural environment as friends. They had time to relax and dance. They also appreciated a quick stop at a nearby village. The village children were happy and inspired to see our students.

Do you remember learning quadratic equations in school? It is one of the many mathematical problems the students are learning. They are progressing well in their studies; the girls also spend time with their teachers in the evenings for more problem solving on the chalkboard at the campus. Study time is taken seriously, and they do not take the opportunity to learn for granted. They have their sights set on the National Exams at the end of Form 4 next year.

It’s been a few years since the first shovels went into the ground on a piece of land in rural Malawi. Today, not only does Kuwala have the infrastructure, a complete water and sewer system, electricity, solar power, well-constructed buildings on a spacious campus, sixty girls attending school, five teachers and staff, a greenhouse producing vegetables and an orchard bearing fruit. How do we manage all of this halfway around the globe?

Kuwala celebrated an exceptional Easter Sunday! The students and staff were lead by a meaningful sermon from the Pastor, refreshments and an opportunity to gather in small groups. There was a special singing presentation from the girls, and everyone enjoyed a fresh-baked bun and a soft drink! These special events are a rare opportunity for the students.

In March, around the world, we recognized International Women’s Day. Together, we can celebrate the accomplishments at Kuwala Christian Girls School, where young girls are on their way to achieving an education that will lift them towards a better life. Thanks to you, this is happening!

If you educate a boy, you educate an individual. If you educate a girl, you educate a community.

African Proverb

As the pandemic sweeps across Africa, the Malawian Government closed all schools at the beginning of February. On February 22, all schools reopened, allowing our girls to return with renewed excitement and learning readiness. During the lockdown, the girls returned to their homes in rural areas. These rural areas are more isolated, but the girls monitored themselves while at home. The Government has also extended the school year to ensure the girls complete all the required academics for the Term.

Meet Esther Kawale, a Malawian who wanted to give back and empower girls in Malawi through education. She is currently a Board member with Kuwala Christian Girls School.