By Rahim Abdul
ChiWanja Cha A Yao has announced plans to support 75 girls from 15 primary schools to transition to secondary school as part of efforts to promote girls’ education.
The initiative will be officially launched during this year’s ChiWanja Cha A Yao Cultural Annual Festival, scheduled for 10 October 2026 in Salima District.
According to a statement released on 19 August 2026 by the festival’s Publicity Committee Chairperson, Steven Kapoloma, the initiative is aimed at helping girls overcome economic and social barriers that prevent them from continuing their education.
Kapoloma said the festival will be held under the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage, Educating Our Girls, Building Our Future.”
He said the theme reflects the grouping’s commitment to using cultural platforms to address challenges affecting communities, particularly those surrounding the education of the girl child.
The festival is expected to provide a platform for discussions on the importance of keeping girls in school and addressing barriers such as poverty, early marriages and other social pressures.
“Organisers said every girl should have the opportunity to attend school, complete her education and pursue her aspirations, regardless of economic challenges, early marriages or other social pressures,” Kapoloma said.
The planned support will benefit girls selected from 15 primary schools, with five girls from each school expected to receive assistance to enable them to proceed to secondary education.
ChiWanja Cha A Yao says investing in girls’ education is essential to building stronger families and communities while creating opportunities for young women to contribute to national development.
The annual festival will also celebrate Yao cultural heritage and provide an opportunity for Yao communities and traditional leaders to come together.
ChiWanja Cha A Yao was launched in 2018 and brings together Yao communities and traditional leaders from Malawi and abroad.
The grouping focuses on promoting social cohesion while protecting and promoting Yao cultural heritage.
The 2026 festival is therefore expected to combine cultural celebrations with discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing social and educational challenges facing communities.
