PLAN, MUST SIGN MOU TO SUPPORT GIRLS IN SCIENCE

By Ellinah Pemba 

Promotion of girls’ enrolment in science studies has been hailed as a viable step towards acceleration of empowerment of the girl child. 

As one way of fulfilling such commitment, on Wednesday, the Malawi University of Science and Technology and Plan International Malawi signed an agreement aimed at improving and safeguarding girls’ education by promoting evolution of education from primary to tertiary education in science programmes.

Speaking to Timveni news desk, Plan International Malawi Country Director Fibi Katsoga, said for a long time the country has been registering dismal figures of girls pursuing science programmes.

Katsoga said, "The trend has been influenced by girls looking down upon themselves." 

Katsoga added that this is the first agreement the organisation has ever entered with tertiary institution and is hopeful that the gap will be bridged.

On her part MUST vice chancellor Address Malata said the memorandum of understanding will help nurture and develop future female scientists.

She said, "MUST will also involve male students to achieve the intended objectives of the MOU." 

Currently, the two parties have organised a science camp for girls next year, where girls from different institutions and communities are set to participate on issues that involve science and technology.