Call made for increased support for young mothers’ education

Linda Mulamba, a Montessori school owner, is urging the government and relevant authorities “to intensify efforts in implementing readmission programs for young mothers in schools after childbirth.”

This comes amidst a worrying trend of rising child marriages in rural areas, with over 29% of teenagers in Malawi experiencing pregnancy, one of the highest rates in the sub-region.

Mulamba’s sentiments echo those of National Assembly Speaker, Catherine Gotani Hara, who expressed concern over the devastating impact of teen pregnancies on education.

“Young girls are having babies as early as 14, and subsequently dropping out of school,” Hara lamented.

Mulamba emphasizes the need for authorities to step up efforts in providing support for young mothers who wish to continue their education.

She suggests that aside from readmission programs, scholarships and other training opportunities can help improve their livelihoods.

“We need to lobby for scholarships specifically targeting young mothers and provide them with alternative training opportunities to enhance their skills,” Mulamba stressed.

With Malawi’s 2063 Vision in mind, authorities and stakeholders are urged to take action to address the alarming rate of teen pregnancies and ensure that young mothers receive the support they need to succeed.