CSEC-MALAWI

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Civic Society Strengthening Fund

Strengthening Gevernance, Advocacy & Inclusivity in Education

About the Program

The  Capacity Enhancement Program (CCEP) is a five-year institutional strengthening initiative led by the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) with support from the Tilitonse Foundation under the Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF). The program is designed to reinforce CSEC’s internal systems, leadership, and sustainability so the Coalition can more effectively represent the voices of local communities and drive transformative change in Malawi’s education sector. Rooted in CSEC’s mission to promote quality, inclusive, equitable, and relevant education for all, CCEP ensures that the Coalition remains resilient, independent, and impactful.

Project Goal and Milestones

The goal of CCEP is to enhance CSEC’s organizational capacity, sustainability, and influence in national and district-level education policy spaces. The program focuses on strengthening governance, leadership, financial systems, and people management while building the capacity of District Education Networks (DENs) and member organizations.

Key milestones include

  • Recruitment of key staff including a Finance & Admin Assistant, M&E Specialist, and Resource Mobilization Expert.

  • Establishment of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system to support evidence-based advocacy.

  • Development of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify funding and increase sustainability.

  • Capacity building for DENs in all 27 districts to enhance their participation in inclusive education and gender justice advocacy.

  • Quarterly governance meetings and leadership training for the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.

  • Upgrading financial systems and internal audit mechanisms to improve transparency and accountability.

Why the Project

As a national coalition of over 70 member organizations, CSEC plays a pivotal role in shaping Malawi’s education landscape. However, like many civil society networks, it faces challenges such as limited staffing, outdated systems, and inconsistent funding. These gaps hinder its ability to fully deliver on its mandate. CCEP was developed to address these institutional barriers, ensuring that CSEC can operate efficiently, advocate effectively, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities—especially girls, youth, and children with disabilities.

Our Story

CSEC’s journey is one of collaboration, resilience, and purpose. Since its founding, the Coalition has united diverse actors from grassroots CBOs to national research institutions around a shared vision: a Malawi where every learner has access to quality and relevant education. Through CCEP, we are investing in our own capacity to lead, influence, and sustain change. This program is not just about internal systems it’s about deepening our impact, strengthening our networks, and ensuring that civil society remains a powerful force for education justice in Malawi.