GAWO langa project

About the Project

Gawo Langa Project is a bold initiative led by the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) with funding support from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). Implemented in partnership with the Centre for Youth and Child Affairs (CEYCA), the project is dedicated to promoting inclusive education pathways for out-of-school youth in Malawi. “Gawo Langa,” meaning “My Share” in Chichewa, reflects the project’s mission to ensure that every young person regardless of background has a rightful place in the education system.

Project Goal and Milestones

The goal of the Gawo Langa Project is to reclaim education opportunities for marginalized youth who have been excluded from formal schooling due to poverty, disability, early marriage, or other social barriers. The project aims to:

Identify and reintegrate out-of-school youth into alternative learning programs.
Strengthen community-based education models that are flexible, inclusive, and youth-centered.
Empower youth as advocates for their right to education through leadership training and civic engagement.
Influence policy and practice to ensure national education frameworks recognize and support non-formal education pathways.

Key milestones include

Establishment of inclusive learning hubs in target districts.
Engagement of youth-led networks to drive community awareness and advocacy.
Development of policy briefs and dialogue platforms to influence national education strategies.

Why the project

In Malawi, thousands of young people especially girls, youth with disabilities, and those in rural areas remain locked out of the education system. Many have dropped out due to early pregnancies, poverty, or lack of support, while others never had the chance to enroll. The Gawo Langa Project was born out of the urgent need to bridge this gap and create inclusive, flexible, and relevant education options for youth who have been left behind. It recognizes that education is not one-size-fits-all and that every young person deserves a second chance to learn, grow, and lead.

Our Story

At its heart, Gawo Langa is about equity, dignity, and opportunity. CSEC, in collaboration with CEYCA, is working hand-in-hand with communities to reimagine education beyond the classroom walls. From youth mentorship programs to community dialogues, the project is building a movement where young people are not just beneficiaries but leaders of change. Through this initiative, we are not only addressing the symptoms of exclusion but tackling the root causes ensuring that Malawi’s education system becomes truly inclusive and responsive to the needs of all its youth.