Lidia Johnston (not real name), a 19-year-old student from Nkanda Village in Mulanje district, faced significant challenges that forced her to drop out of Nkanda Primary School in 2020 while in standard 8. However, with the support of the mother group trained in psychosocial support under the Girls Get Equal project by CRECCOM, Lidia's story took a remarkable turn.
Lidia's education was abruptly halted due to an unintended pregnancy resulting from a relationship with a boy from her village. The abandonment by her partner left Lidia feeling hopeless about her future and her education. She believed her dreams of completing her schooling were shattered.
The intervention by the trained mother group, along with the support of the headteacher and community members, had a profound impact on Lidia's life.
The mother group's training in Psychosocial Support (PSS) equipped them with the skills to identify and address issues like dropout rates, early pregnancies, and other challenges that hindered girls' education. Through home visits and personalized support, they were able to bring back girls who had dropped out, like Lidia, and help them reintegrate into the school system.
The Girls Get Equal project, funded by Norad through Plan International, facilitated this training and intervention. Teachers also played a crucial role by providing ongoing psychosocial support to returning students, ensuring they felt welcomed and supported in their educational journey.
They visited her home and provided the necessary psychosocial support, encouraging her not to give up on her education despite the challenges she faced.
Lidia shared her journey: "The mother group and the headteacher's encouragement made me believe I could return to school, even after getting pregnant. Now, I'm in standard 8, working hard to unfold a future I thought was lost."
Lidia expressed her aspirations: "I want to become a Nurse once I finish my education."
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