By Luke Voegeli | Development and Communications Intern
On Saturday, November 5th 2016, AGE Africa, along with the Mangochi Government, UNICEF, and AFLIT+, celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child. Together, the stakeholders celebrated the power of girls in their communities and stressed the importance of educating girls to one thousand assembled community members.
AGE Africa was proud to have 12 scholars from local partner schools in attendance along with 4 of their faculty advisors and an AGE Alumna mentor. During the event, the scholars had an opportunity to ask questions of the guest of honor, the Honorable Lillian Patel, Member of Parliament. Four AGE Scholars asked the MP about the Malawian governments commitment to girls’ education.
They questioned the guest of honor asking how the government would: provide role models for girls to keep them in rural schools, how the government was working to implement legislation to prevent child marriages, and what was being done to deter cultural issues which prevent girls from attending and finishing secondary school. AGE Africa is delighted that our scholars had this wonderful opportunity to engage with high-level officials and make their voices heard. Our program strives to give girls the confidence needed to stand up for themselves and their rights while acting as agents of change within their communities.
The ceremony featured local performers playing music, showing dramas, and preforming local dance. Interspersed, local women and leaders shared their stories showcasing the power of girls’ education and encouraging local community members to become allies of the girls in their localities.
AGE Africa is proud to have been a part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations and is proud of our scholars for having the confidence to hold their elected officials accountable. This year AGE Africa will continue to support over 1,200 girls in order to help them stay in school, become community leaders, and act as agents of change in both their community and their nation.
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