Emmanuel University’s innovative Women Empowerment and Special Needs Education (WESNED) project has received the green light from the Lilongwe District Executive Committee, following a favorable recommendation from the Lilongwe Education Technical Committee.
The WESNED project is set to make a significant impact by operating in 24 primary schools across 12 educational zones in Lilongwe Rural East and Dedza. Its core objectives aim to provide quality education to individuals with special needs while empowering women in the region.
Over the next three years, the project will implement a range of activities, including:
- Training schools in essential skills like menstrual pad production.
- Offering scholarships for 10 girls to pursue diplomas in education at Emmanuel University after completing their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
- Providing support for female teachers to upgrade their qualifications to diplomas in education.
- Offering 70% partial scholarships for 10 learners with special needs to become qualified primary school teachers.
- Assisting learners with disabilities through tailored educational support.
- Delivering Special Needs Education and Inclusive Education training for Primary Education Advisors (PEAs).
- Renovating nine classroom blocks to create conducive learning environments.
The Lilongwe District Executive Committee expressed their approval, highlighting the project’s extensive research, strong community engagement, and the potential for meaningful impact in the lives of those it aims to serve.