Camfed expands programmes to Malawi

Camfed is delighted to announce that in 2008 we will expand our girls’ education and young women’s economic empowerment and leadership programmes to Malawi. The incredible success of the Financial Times Seasonal Appeal for Camfed, which has raised more than £1.3 million/$2.6 million so far, has enabled us to commit to this expansion.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our work into Malawi. The phenomenal success of the FT Seasonal Appeal so far has enabled us to make the commitment now. The need in Malawi is great and our experience in other countries of the region puts Camfed in a strong position to support the Malawi Government in extending access to education for girls in rural areas,” said Ann Cotton, Camfed’s Executive Director and founder.

Camfed staff and volunteers in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania will work with their neighbours in Malawi through a process of peer mentoring and exchange to launch the programme in Malawi in early 2008.

Camfed supporters, Peter Sherratt and Tom Hunter have offered a new £200,000 matching grant for the Seasonal Appeal. With this additional backing, Camfed aims to raise £1.5 million/$3 million by the end of January 2008. With these funds, Camfed will be able to support 5,000 girls to complete their education.

“The incredible generosity of the FT readership has awed us this year. We have already raised enough funds to support over 4,400 girls – more than twice the number supported by last year’s appeal. Support for 5,000 girls is well within our grasp. With this support, we can significantly extend our contribution towards the internationally agreed targets of equality in education and education for all,” said Ann Cotton.

By 2010, Camfed plans to launch programmes in two further African countries, for a total of seven countries.