Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) has trained 40 community members—including teachers, police officers, community policing members, and mother groups—to lead advocacy efforts promoting education for vulnerable girls in rural Thyolo.

The initiative, supported by Spanish organization Mundo Cooperante, is being implemented in six schools: Chisawani, Ligowe, Chimwabvi, Mphedzu, Nyambalo Primary Schools, and Chiriza Community Secondary. It aims to address child marriages, gender-based violence, and high school dropout rates among girls.

Speaking during the training, CCDO Executive Director Dalitso Chiwayula said many girls in the district remain at risk of dropping out of school due to various barriers.

“A lot of girls in this district are at a disadvantage of dropping out of school due to challenges like lack of learning materials and sanitary needs, especially during puberty. Through this project, we will provide exercise books, school uniforms and even school fees support for 10 secondary school learners,"said Chiwayula.

Chiwayula added:"But more importantly, we want to build a community that stands up to protect these girls."

He emphasized that the fight against harmful practices requires joint effort.

“A collaborative effort is essential in ending child marriages and protecting vulnerable girls. Parents, teachers, traditional leaders and law enforcement must all play their part. No single organization can win this fight alone—only when we work together can we create an environment where girls feel safe, valued and supported to complete their education.”

Meanwhile, Bvumbwe Police Community Policing Coordinator, John Billy, who facilitated some sessions, noted that child marriage cases remain rampant in the area.

“At our station we continue to record between three to five cases of child marriages every week, which is very worrying. The community must take reporting seriously if we are to eradicate abuse and give girls a chance at a better future,” he said.

Participants welcomed the initiative, highlighting the urgent need to support girls both materially and emotionally.

Nancy Whayo, a teacher at Chisawani Primary School, said: “Many girls lack motivation to continue with education, apart from poverty which has forced many to drop out. We see cases where girls skip classes whenever they are on their menstrual periods because they do not have sanitary pads. Such interventions bring hope.”