CAMPAIGN for Female Education ( CAMFED) Zambia, has awarded the prestigious UNESCO prize for Girls and Women’s Education consisting of $US50, 000 for its outstanding and innovative contributions to advance vulnerable girls’ education and women’s education in Zambia.
CAMFED Zambia has been awarded for its holistic support for girls complete and succeed in secondary school.” Since it’s establishment in 2001, CAMFED has operated in 40 districts and 1,408 Schools across Zambia, supporting 617, 875 girls and young women in rural areas to enrol and complete secondary school, equipping them with the skills needed ro transition into work and leadership roles in their communities,” the statement reads in part.
In a statement released by First Secretary for Press and the Zambian High Commission in France, Naomi Mwemba, CAMFED Zambia National Director Namenda Malupande who was represented by CAMFED Association Development Executive Director Ms Fiona Mavhibga was awarded alongside Promoting Equality in African Schools ( PEAS) Uganda for its programme focussed on empowering schools for adolescent girls in Uganda through building safe, gender-responsive school environments.
The nomination submitted by the Permanent Delegation of Zambia to UNESCO highlights how CAMFED revolutionized girls’ empowerment and life opportunities.
CAMFED, implements a comprehensive support system targeting the most vulnerable girls, addressing the challenges that might hinder them from attaining quality education.
The Organisation offers financial, social, learning and community support.
The second level focusses on allowing the beneficiaries to transition from school into further education or meaningful employment.
The third level involves CAMFED partnering with governments to embed their proven approaches for supporting marginalized girls into national school systems
In a speech read on behalf of UNESCO Director General.Ms Audrey Azoulay, Assistant Director General dor Education Ms Stephanie Giannini commended the laureate’ nomination for highlighting the power of girls’ education as a catalyst for equality and enduring change.
CAMFED is anchored on Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) number four on quality education, SDG number five on gender inequality. SDG number 10 on reduced inequality and SDG number 16 on peace and justice.
The organization which has presentation in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi and Tanzania was founded by Ms Ann Cotton Obe in 1993 with 32 girls.
CAMFED is a Pan African Movement supporting girls to go to school, thrive and become influential leaders and change makers in their communities.
It’s core values are accountability, professional integrity, collaborations, transparency and honesty, innovation, excellence, diversity and inclusion.
CAMFED is focused on addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges such as poverty, climate change, gender inequality and social injustice.
