Secondary education in Malawi is not free and the majority of girls face significant barriers to attend, including family hardship and cultural norms. Only 15 per cent of girls complete secondary education. It is one of the world's poorest countries - with 70 per cent of the population living on less than $2.15 a day. Societal pressures mean that most girls marry or become pregnant when young. Malawi has one of the highest rates of teenage preganncy in southern Africa at 29 per cent.

Working with one of Malawi's leading NGO's for women's rights, we provide a scholarship scheme for 200 girls in four districts to complete their education at their local community day secondary school. We committ to supporting a student for the four years of her education, paying her fees, supplying her uniform and stationery, and funding extra-curricular workshops, run by the school leadership team, mothers' groups and external experts, on topics such as reproductive health and study methods.