Whilst primary education in Malawi is free it is one of the countries with some of the highest levels of illiteracy in Sub-Saharan Africa , particularly among women (c.45% vs men c.25%).
Our adult literacy “Learning through Wildlife” programme helps people who have been disadvantaged as a result of their illiteracy. Students have acquired useful life skills which have helped them to learn about critical environmental issues. They have also left the programme as wildlife community patrons who are thankful for the chance provided to them by LWT. The programme was part funded by the High Five Club and is fully accredited and examined under the Ministry of Gender and Education. The programme is currently running in 5 communities. Individuals from the communities are identified and trained up as teachers to work on a voluntary basis. So, whilst we fund volunteer expenses and the project’s capita items it is essentially a community developed, run and attended project – we build capacity, inspire community members to empower themselves and the programme can continue to run until there is no demand from the communities. In 2012 there were 50 programme participants and 30 graduates. 2013 results to follow.
Please email Nellie on education@llwc.org if you would like further information on this project by email.