Global Care
50 Miles in 30 Days
This January we want to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable girls living in Malawi - helping them to access education safely without putting themselves at risk of abuse or exploitation.
Story
A 15-year-old schoolgirl who was sexually abused by a teacher was the catalyst for Global Care's brand new project in Malawi.
Coming from a poor family of five children whereby affording two meals a day is a challenge, being selected to a boarding secondary school is a nightmare for both me and my parents, who are just small-scale farmers,” the girl told them. “I wondered ‘where will I get school fees and basic needs?… (then) a primary school teacher offered me money in exchange for sex.
In rural Malawi, secondary schools are often too far away for students to easily walk each day, so some young people need to find lodgings and board nearby. This leaves vulnerable young people – especially girls – at terrible risk of exploitation and abuse. It also drives high levels of school dropout, particularly among girls.
A secondary headteacher told us that up to 80% of the girls starting at his school will drop out.
“Most of these dropouts are necessitated by poverty,” he said
All the money raised with our 50 Miles in 30 Days Challenge will help us to fund the work in Malawi for at least another year. Our partners, Muthange CBO, want to expand their work to support even more children with school fees and supplies, and improving the effectiveness of their mentoring programme by meeting the girls monthly.
“Without our help, these children would not be able to stay in school and finish their education. After trying so hard, they give up on their dreams.”
The more money we raise - the more vulnerable children we can help. It really is that simple!
https://www.globalcare.org/2023/07/filling-in-the-gaps-for-girls-malawi/
