Kambauwa Launches FAWEMA Strategic Plan and Mastercard Foundation Phase II Project

by in Education


By Elywin Chighali Mhango

On Friday, Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima officially launched the Forum for African Women Educationists Malawi (FAWEMA) strategic plan for 2024-2028 and the Mastercard Foundation Phase II project at an event held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

In her address, Minister Wirima expressed her enthusiasm for the initiatives, describing them as vital for empowering young people and building a brighter future for Malawi. She emphasized the importance of investing in youth skills development, particularly in light of the fact that young people make up a significant portion of the country’s population. “We cannot build a better Malawi without deliberately investing in building a strong skills base from our young people, including the underprivileged, those with disabilities, and refugees,” she stated.



The minister noted that these initiatives align closely with Malawi’s principal development strategy, MW2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals. She urged leaders to actively participate in empowering the youth, asserting that their successful inclusion is crucial for the implementation of the country’s long-term vision.

Wirima highlighted that the FAWEMA strategic plan and the Mastercard initiative focus heavily on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, particularly for girls at the tertiary level. This effort aims to significantly increase the gender parity index from 0.065 to 0.9 by 2030, responding to recommendations from the recent Ministry of Education Joint Sector Review (JSR).

In her concluding remarks, the minister praised the commitment of FAWE, FAWEMA, and the Mastercard Foundation to enhance inclusivity in education and called on other stakeholders to rally behind FAWEMA’s vision for a more equitable education system.

“By supporting these young and dynamic minds, we are laying the groundwork for a prosperous and inclusive future for Malawi,” she asserted, reinforcing the belief that “Education Is Key.”

The launch event marks a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts to empower Malawi’s youth, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed.