This project provides critical small group and private tutoring through EKARI's Tutoring Program to students in southern Malawi, allowing them to receive 1:1 attention that they do not receive in their classrooms of typically 75 students or more per teacher. Without nutrition, students cannot focus on their studies. This project also provides nutritional meals during small group tutoring as well as additional food to supplement students' poor school diet through EKARI's 3 Meals a Day Program.
Malawi high schools traditionally have a high student to teacher ratio and many students report that they are too shy to ask questions in class. Students fall behind when they do not receive 1:1 attention leading them to fail end-of-year exams and drop out of school. Malawi's pass rate for end-of-year exams in 2015 was only 55.2% among high school seniors. In addition, students suffer from hunger as their families are farmers who typically are only able to provide food for 6 months of the year.
Local teachers will tutor students during 3 school breaks/year for 3 weeks/session. Teachers will separate students into small groups and focus on subjects requested by students that are most challenging; English, math, biology, physical science, agriculture, and Chichewa. EKARI will provide private tutoring during the entire school year for students who need further assistance, and combat hunger by providing 3 nutritional meals a day during tutoring sessions and food during the school year.
The project will allow 50 students to receive education and nourishment to increase their overall well-being; allowing them to emerge from poverty through their own efforts to become role models in their communities. Between the launch of both programs in 2010 up until 2014, the number of students required to repeat a grade level was reduced by over 50%. In 2015, we reached our goal! 100% of our students passed their senior year exams, providing access to higher education and future employment.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
