The USAID "Kumaliza Maphunziro a Sekondale - Completing Secondary Education" project aims to increase graduation rates and improve skills among secondary school students in rural Malawi. The project focuses on supporting students enrolled in 105 rural Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) built with U.S. Government (USG) assistance. The schools, located in 29 districts across Malawi, are in underserved areas with high student dropout rates and low academic performance. The Kumaliza Project will address the key barriers to secondary education, such as financial difficulties, early pregnancies, and the absence of role models for students in these rural settings.

The initiative aims to improve the graduation rate of students by providing a comprehensive suite of support services. These include financial assistance, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education, academic mentoring, and career guidance. Additionally, the project will offer capacity-building opportunities for governance structures at both community and district levels, supporting local actors in sustaining education outcomes. The project’s holistic approach seeks to improve academic performance, reduce dropout rates, and foster positive behaviors among students, particularly in relation to health and economic empowerment.

A key aspect of the project is to address the socio-economic challenges that prevent students from completing their secondary education. Financial counseling, bursaries, and support systems will be provided to economically disadvantaged students. The project will engage with parents, teachers, and school governance bodies to create early warning systems for identifying students at risk of dropping out due to financial hardship. It will also link students and their families to available scholarships and local resources for additional support.

In terms of SRH services, the Kumaliza Project will ensure that students, particularly girls, receive timely health services and counseling to delay early marriages and pregnancies. The project will leverage existing programs like DREAMS and other USAID health interventions to create linkages between schools and youth-friendly health services. Additionally, comprehensive sexuality education will be integrated into school curriculums and community outreach programs, with a focus on empowering both boys and girls to make informed decisions about their health and futures.

The project will also focus on improving the quality of education in CDSSs by addressing teacher shortages, enhancing teacher training, and providing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) opportunities. The Kumaliza Project will support headteachers and school leaders to better manage academic programs, offer remedial teaching, and guide students towards higher education or vocational training. Community engagement will be central to the project, with initiatives designed to empower parents and community leaders to take an active role in supporting student success.

Through these interventions, the project aims to reach over 47,000 students across the 105 CDSSs, increasing their chances of graduating and successfully transitioning to higher education or employment. The Kumaliza Project will work closely with other existing USG-supported education and health initiatives to ensure that students not only complete secondary school but also develop the skills needed to thrive in the workforce or further education.