University Scholars blazing a trail for girls and women in Malawi

NewsPublished on: Dec 10 2021

Madalitso Kambauwa and a tertiary student at the MCF Tertiary launch

Madalitso Kambauwa, Deputy Minister of Education Malawi hands educational supplies to a student at the MCF Tertiary launch (Credit: ITM Online TV)

We are thrilled that 190 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at CAMFED Malawi have secured places at university, after graduating from secondary school. We celebrated the young women’s achievements last month at an event held in Blantyre with the Ministry of Education.

Today is a powerful day in education, especially for our girls and our marginalized students… [This] launch of university scholarships creates a platform for recognizing and celebrating our collective efforts.
The Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima M.P., Deputy Minister of Education, speaking at the celebration.

Meet Scholar Fyness

“Learning I had secured a university scholarship was a very exciting moment for me. I am going to study Metrology and Material Engineering at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

I had no idea that the launch would be such a grand event. Being there I realized that almost everything was being provided for us — all that is left is for us to work hard to achieve our goals! Seeing a woman holding the position of Deputy Minister of Education was very inspiring.”

Read Fyness' story

Guests at the ceremony included the Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima M.P., Deputy Minister of Education, who joined us alongside her colleagues, the Scholars and their families, representatives from universities, and national media outlets.

Attendees were overjoyed at the success of the young women. Their progress through education is remarkable in a context where only 14% of girls nationally complete upper secondary school, falling to just 2% in the most marginalized communities.

Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of the holistic package of support that the Scholars receive to ensure that they can continue their education, thrive, and transition into their chosen career pathways.

Scholars who had performed particularly well in their examinations received awards in recognition of their achievements.

CAMFED is delighted to celebrate the launch of the tertiary component of our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and the achievements of Scholars who have secured tertiary places despite facing considerable barriers. We want to break down those barriers and that is why we are here.
Robert Chioza, Acting National Director, CAMFED Malawi, speaking at the event.

Meet Scholar Victoria

“I was very happy to be among the girls who have been chosen to receive support through university. I have chosen to study Nursing and Midwifery at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences because I want a career where I will be able to serve human needs.

Attending the event was a good experience and we learnt a lot. We were even more encouraged in our educational journey so that our dreams will come true.”

Read Victoria's story

The gathering also marked the official launch of a new manual entitled ‘The Student Guide: Tertiary and Career Pathways in Malawi,’ which has been designed to offer information not only to Mastercard Foundation Scholars at CAMFED, but also to students across the country, so they can learn about university entry requirements and application processes, as well as future job opportunities.

Watch the Mastercard Foundation Tertiary Scholarship launch event

Join the celebrations to hear from our distinguished guests and Scholars, who gathered at the Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on November 11, 2021.

Watch the event on Facebook