By Patricia Kapulula
The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry arrived in the country Sunday afternoon through Kamuzu International Airport as part of his 10-day tour of Africa.
Upon arrival, Harry visited Nalikule College of Education in Lilongwe and interacted with young women who are supported to attend and complete secondary school with the help of UKAid bursaries through Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED).
His visit to the college was meant to celebrate women’s education and to highlight CAMFED Alumnae Association (CAMA).
Harry also came to see firsthand impact of the United Kingdom (UK) investment meant to ensure that girls obtain at least 12 years of quality education.
In his remarks, Harry said he was delighted with the progress made in the national education system through CAMFED by empowering young girls to stay in school.
“CAMA is making significant progress in the education sector especially among girls. For this reason, Britain is committed to assisting Malawi in the education sector,” he said.
The Duchess of Sussex Megha Markle did not travel to Malawi as she remained in South Africa but found a way to play a role in her husband’s visit by interacting with the girls through Skype.
Ministry of Education Science and Technology Principal Secretary Justin Saidi said in an interview that government recognises the role women and girls play in the development of the country.
To this effect, Saidi said women and girls should not be left behind in education.
He hailed Prince Harry’s visit saying it will go a long way in ensuring that girls are encouraged and empowered to stay in school without any hindrances through the support that the country gets.
“We are excited that our girls are being supported by bursaries from CAMFED which has made them stay in school and finish their education,” he said.
Saidi said CAMFED has impacted heavily on girls’ education as it has managed to instill self-esteem among girls as they are able to support their colleagues whenever they meet challenges.
Leader of the CAMFED Association Network in Malawi Ruth Alexander said she had benefited a lot from the CAMA project as she now advocates for the rights of the girl children in education.
Alexander said she is working with a number of stakeholders such as government departments, social workers and the police in trying to end child marriages.
“I’m able to report child marriages and child abuse cases to relevant authorities. As of now I have managed to report and end eight child marriages.
“As CAMA it is our pride to support child brides to return to school,” she said.
CAMA, which has 17,500 members in Malawi, works to keep children in school by being positive role models and leaders working to lift their communities out of poverty.
The Duke of Sussex later in the day held talks with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace and was hosted to a reception by the British High Commissioner.
While in the country, the prince is expected to visit Liwonde National Park in Machinga where he will witness an anti poaching demonstration exercise jointly conducted by local rangers and the UK military.
He will also pay tribute to guardsman Mathew Talbot of the Coldstream Guards who lost his life in May, 2019 while on an anti-poaching patrol.
Later, Prince Harry will visit Mauwa Health Centre in Chiradzulu to appreciate the Pharmacy in a Box and Youth Reproductive Health Outreach programme before departing for South Africa on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old Duke of Sussex visited Botswana and Angola before coming to Malawi.