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CSEC-MALAWI

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Combatting Child School Dropout

Community Mobilization, Nation Wide

About the Program

Combating Child Dropout in Primary Schools Project is a national initiative led by the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) with funding from Swedish Development Partners (SDP). This project is designed to tackle one of Malawi’s most pressing education challenges: the high rate of school dropouts among primary learners, particularly in underserved communities. Aligned with CSEC’s mission to promote quality, inclusive, equitable, and relevant education for all, the project focuses on improving literacy, strengthening school retention, and creating supportive learning environments for vulnerable children.

Project Goal and Milestones

The goal of the project is to reduce dropout rates and improve reading skills among primary school learners by addressing both academic and socio-economic barriers to education. The initiative targets schools with high dropout rates and poor literacy outcomes, working directly with educators, parents, and communities to build sustainable solutions.

Key milestones include:

  • Training teachers in child-centered and literacy-focused teaching methods.

  • Establishing reading clubs and remedial programs to support struggling learners.

  • Engaging parents and community leaders to promote school attendance and retention.

  • Conducting school-based assessments to identify at-risk learners and provide targeted support.

  • Promoting inclusive education practices that accommodate children with disabilities and those from marginalized backgrounds.

Why the Project

Malawi’s education system faces persistent challenges: underfunding, gender inequality, limited infrastructure, and weak coordination among CSOs. Girls and children with disabilities in rural areas are especially vulnerable to dropout and exclusion. The impact of natural disasters like Cyclone Freddy has further disrupted learning for over 724,000 students. This project was born out of the urgent need to mobilize civil society, strengthen accountability, and ensure inclusive education policies are not just written but implemented effectively.

Our Story

At CSEC, we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. Through the Combating Child Dropout Project, we are working hand-in-hand with schools, teachers, and families to build a future where no child is left behind. From classroom interventions to community dialogues, our approach is holistic, inclusive, and impact-driven. This project is more than a response to dropout it’s a commitment to equity, literacy, and lifelong opportunity for Malawi’s children.