Child Marriage: Safe Schools Program Helps Girls Escape Early Marriage in Malawi
An unintended outcome of the Safe Schools Program has been the attention on early marriage, which is a significant issue in young girls' live in Machinga Province in Malawi. Here are the stories of two girls who received a second chance to get an education and pursue their dreams.
Edna's Story
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| Edna is 14 years old and a 6th grade student at Chiramo School in Malawi. Edna's story shows how, with the help of community members, she was able to avoid the fate of child marriage. Photo: DevTech
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Edna is a 6th grade student at Chiramo School in Malawi. Edna is 14 years old and one of ten children living with her parents in Chiramo Village.
Edna's story of determination and strength shows how, with the help of community members participating in the Safe Schools Program, she was able to avoid the fate of child marriage that is all too common among her peers.
When Edna was growing up, her parents betrothed her to a cousin. When the time for the marriage drew near, however, Edna refused to get married.
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| The USAID Safe Schools Program helps girls whose parents are arranging for them to get married receive help from Community Counselors, to voice their concerns and their desire to stay in school. Photo: DevTech
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Edna's parents were upset by her decision. Edna also suffered ridicule from her peers in school. When Edna's teachers became aware of her problem, they sought the help of the Chief of the village, who has been actively involved in the Safe Schools Program.
The Chief counseled Edna's parents about the importance of keeping their daughter in school and about her right to education. After much discussion, Edna's parents agreed to let her return home and continue her education.
Edna is now continuing her studies, and through the support of the Safe Schools Program, has gained the confidence to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.
Glory's Story
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| Glory, dressed in white in the center, surrounded by her classmates. Driving factors for child marriage include poverty, poor education, concerns regarding girls' safety, as well as traditional practices. Photo: DevTech
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One of seven children, Glory is part of a typical family in Malawi, where over 80% of the population subsists on basic farming. Her attendance at school was sporadic, as she was needed at home to assist her mother with tasks such as tending to crops and gathering firewood.
When Glory turned 13, her parents decided that she should get married. Glory was given no option but to drop out of school and move to her new husband's village.
After the Safe Schools Program began working with communities near Glory's village, the Group Village Headman and Glory's parents became actively involved in making their community a model for keeping children safe and in school. Shortly thereafter, they worked together to have Glory's marriage annulled and re-enroll her in school.
Today, Glory is back in school. Through the Safe Schools Program, she was also selected to become a "Peer Leader" attending a week-long training to gain life skills and assertiveness. Her family now sees a future in an educated daughter and is supportive of her endeavors.
Glory looks forward to attending secondary school in a few short years.
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Child Marriage
