Senior Chief Chikumbu: My heart is for education
I’m Ida, Senior Chief in Mulanje district, Malawi. I’m dedicated to championing the rights of women and girls in my community—helping them secure their right to education and reach their ambitions.
CAMFED Malawi wins government award as best NGO for girls’ education
On August 29, 2025, CAMFED Malawi’s Executive Director, Susan Silika, accepted a government award honoring CAMFED as the country’s best Non Governmental Organization (NGO) for girls’ education.
The award was presented on 2025 NGO Day, by Dr. Nertha Semphere Mgala—Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare (pictured with Susan Silika below). It recognizes CAMFED’s impact in advancing education opportunities for girls across the country for the second year running.
During a gala dinner held in Mzuzu, the Principle Secretary commended the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) present, including CAMFED, for their contributions to health, education, agriculture, food security, and social protection.
A shared vision for sustainable development
During the 2025 NGO Day ceremony, Hon. Jean Muonaouza Sendeza, the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, praised the vital role of NGOs like CAMFED in serving hard-to-reach areas and advancing the country’s long-term development vision. At the gala dinner that followed, the Principle Secretary emphasized that the awards serve as benchmarks for excellence, accountability, and innovation.
“We are especially thankful for CAMFED’s participation in the NGO Awards ceremony during the Gala Dinner, where we honored outstanding efforts and celebrated the collective achievements of our sector. Their support helped elevate the evening into a moment of pride, recognition, and renewed commitment to excellence.”—NGO Regulatory Authority, Malawi
In 2024 alone, CAMFED Malawi—together with partner communities and graduates in the CAMFED Association of women leaders—supported 185,997 girls to go to school. Of the 37,358 graduates in the CAMFED Association in Malawi, 64% took on leadership roles in education systems and the wider community. These young women are uniquely positioned to transform underserved communities—pioneering solutions to Malawi’s most pressing sustainable development challenges.
We at CAMFED are honored to receive this award, a testament to the trust and strong working relationships we have built with the Ministry of Education and other key partners. It gives us the drive to do even more, better, and faster.Susan Silika, Executive Director, CAMFED Malawi
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