Government has commended Campaign for Female Education, CAMFED, for its continued scholarship support to girls in secondary schools and at tertiary level.

Deputy Director for Higher Education (MoEST) Caroline Chiphinga Mwale told Zodiak Online the organisation’s support is highly contributing to the country’s human capital development. 

She spoke on Saturday at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, MUST, after an orientation for 205 girls who have received full scholarships to various colleges.

Mwale has called on the students to work hard as a way to demonstrate appreciation to the support.

"One strength of the CAMFED network is the spirit of sisterhood. Support one another, celebrate each other's successes and hold one another when in need...commit to personal integrity and safeguarding, commit to national service through your skills and knowledge," Mwale said.

Since 2016, the organization has supported over 2,000 students with tuition, accommodation, food, laptops and others to pursue education. But for past three years, it enrolls at 302 annually.

While urging scholarship clients to keep flying and break barriers, CAMFED Country Director, Susan Silika said the scholarships are delivered through the Mastercard Foundation.  

Silika urged the new scholars to aim high and become agents of change in their communities.

“We believe that multiplying education opportunities is a fundamental strategy to tackle most inequalities and girl's empowerment. Once educated, the girls will be able to make decisions, delay marriages and become leaders of change in their communities,” Silika said.

One of the clients, Bertha Chiombaguta who is studying Level Four of Bachelor of Science in Optometry at Mzuzu University, pledged to work hard in appreciation of the opportunity

“I am so proud because CAMFED has sorted a lot of barriers during my academic journey, now I am safe. I am aiming at getting better grade to impress the donors as a thank you," Chiombaguta said.

The orientation focused on college life, mental health and financial literacy, among others.