EDUCATION& DIGITIZATION
Education is a powerful driver of social and economic transformation and a core pillar of Life Concern’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030). LICO works to ensure that children and youth, especially girls and marginalised learners in rural communities, have access to quality, inclusive, and future-ready education in safe and supportive learning environments.
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In Malawi, many children and young people continue to face significant barriers to education despite increased enrolment at the national level. Poverty remains a leading cause of school dropout, as families struggle to afford basic education costs such as uniforms, learning materials, and examination or boarding fees. Rural schools are often affected by overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and limited teaching and learning resources, while poor access to safe water, sanitation, and menstrual health facilities disproportionately affects girls’ attendance and retention. At the same time, limited access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital skills training has widened the digital divide, leaving many learners and out-of-school youth without the competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
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To address these challenges, LICO implements integrated education and digital literacy interventions that improve both access to education and the quality of learning. LICO supports vulnerable learners through bursary scholarships, school uniforms, and learning materials, ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent children from enrolling, staying in school, or completing their education. LICO also invests in education infrastructure development, including the construction and rehabilitation of classroom blocks, libraries, hostels, and gender-responsive WASH facilities that promote dignity, safety, and learner retention, particularly for adolescent girls.
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Recognising the growing importance of digital skills, LICO integrates digital literacy and ICT education across its education programming. This includes supporting schools with computers and basic ICT equipment, introducing computer and digital skills training for learners, promoting safe and responsible internet use, and strengthening teachers’ capacity to integrate digital tools into teaching and learning. These efforts help bridge the gap between rural and urban learners and prepare young people for further education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Beyond academic learning, LICO promotes holistic learner development through sports, life-skills education, drug and substance abuse prevention, and psychosocial support programs that enhance well-being, confidence, and positive behaviour. LICO also supports out-of-school youth with digital literacy and vocational skills training, linking them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
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To strengthen sustainability and community ownership, LICO builds the capacity of School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to improve school governance, accountability, and community participation in education.
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Through these combined efforts, LICO is contributing to equitable access to quality, digitally enhanced education, empowering children and youth with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Malawi’s development.