In DC, only 60% of high school seniors graduate. Of those who graduate, only 23% graduate from college within six years. Students lack opportunities for mentorship, leadership, community service, and exposure to different world views. Malawi is consistently ranked among the world's 20 least developed countries by the UN. Over 50% of the country's population lives on less than $1.25 a day. The country has long been challenged by economic stagnation and a lack of access to education.
Through partnership with local D.C. high schools and passionate teachers, the D.C. buildOn Chapter will identify at least two students in 2014, and at least six promising students to send to Malawi. buildOn has identified a community in Malawi that lacks proper school facilities. This project will fund students' international travel expenses to volunteer at the school construction site. Donations will also be used for the construction supplies.
This transformative life experience will give students a new global perspective and the opportunity to be leaders in their schools, communities, and overseas. Students will gain confidence and even increase their chances of high school graduation--95% of buildOn participants graduate! The Malawian government strives to offer free education to all children but many communities lack school buildings. buildOn will partner with a community to construct a sustainable, government managed school.
