School uniforms for 660 pupils at four rural primary schools
Threads of Care aims to give uniforms to 660 learners at Mbayani, Chiradzulu, Chikomwe and Chimbeta primary schools, to keep vulnerable children in class.
Through its Threads of Care tailoring project, MASYAP helps rural girls and boys stay in education by giving them school uniforms.
The target for the first term is to give uniforms to 660 learners at four government primary schools (Mbayani, Chiradzulu, Chikomwe and Chimbeta), to increase enrolment and help pupils stay in school. The uniforms go to disadvantaged rural children, orphans and other vulnerable children.
Why uniforms matter
A uniform is compulsory at primary schools in Malawi, and families must buy it themselves. Children who cannot afford one may be turned away, or bullied for their torn clothes until they lose focus on their studies. This is especially hard for orphans and vulnerable children.
The four schools
- Mbayani Primary School: uniforms from Threads of Care have already helped 230 orphans and vulnerable learners stay in school and receive a basic education.
- Chiradzulu Primary School: in one of the poorest areas of Malawi, uniforms will let vulnerable learners keep studying without placing a financial burden on their guardians.
- Chikomwe Primary School: most families are vulnerable, and many orphans are cared for by grandparents or guardians for whom a uniform is a heavy cost.
- Chimbeta Primary School: many learners come to school in torn uniforms and shoes. Some have to wear their only uniform wet because it could not dry overnight, and others are too embarrassed to raise their hands or approach their teachers. Torn uniforms damage children’s confidence and lead to more absence and poorer results.