EDUCATION

​Education is a cornerstone of LICO's mission, aiming to increase access to quality education for children and youth in rural and vulnerable communities of Malawi. Despite notable strides in the education sector, the country continues to face significant challenges, particularly in rural areas. According to UNESCO, Malawi has over 4.5 million students enrolled in primary and secondary schools, with a striking 83% of them in primary education. However, 11% of children of primary school age remain out of school, mainly due to poverty, a lack of conducive learning environments, and high dropout rates.

 

LICO seeks to address these challenges through targeted interventions that tackle both the demand and supply sides of education. The root causes of low school enrolment, such as the lack of school fees, inadequate school infrastructure, and limited learning materials, are critical barriers to education for many children. To mitigate these issues, LICO has developed a multi-faceted education support program aimed at creating sustainable educational opportunities for children and youth.

 

One of the key interventions is infrastructure development, which includes the construction of classroom blocks, libraries, and modern toilets. This not only improves the learning environment but also addresses the health and safety concerns of students, particularly girls. LICO also provides essential learning materials such as desks, study lamps, library books, and sports equipment to primary and secondary schools.

 

In addition, LICO supports vulnerable students through bursary scholarships and the provision of school uniforms, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their educational journey. To combat gender disparities, LICO improves menstrual health management by distributing reusable sanitary pads to adolescent girls, helping them stay in school.

 

 

Beyond formal education, LICO trains out-of-school youth in digital literacy and vocational skills, linking them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Capacity-building programs for school governance structures like School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) further enhance community involvement and oversight in education.

By removing barriers to education, LICO empowers communities to achieve sustainable, equitable access to quality education for children, adolescents, and youth in Malawi.