In October 2023, Temwa launched a transformative Early Childhood Development (ECD) project in Nkhata Bay North, Malawi, addressing critical educational gaps for young children in rural communities. This three-year initiative aims to improve early childhood education by establishing and supporting community-operated preschools. One community member, Esnart Thindwa, serves as an inspiring example of the dedication and hope driving this project forward.
Esnart, a 20-year-old mother from Vumu village, lives in a household of 16 and has faced numerous personal and economic challenges. Forced to leave school after her second year of secondary education due to pregnancy and financial constraints, Esnart’s life experiences have fuelled her desire to bring change for the next generation. With limited educational opportunities in her community, many children remain idle until they reach the age for primary school, a gap that Temwa’s project is actively working to close.
Temwa’s ECD project addresses these issues by establishing new preschools in underserved areas, supporting both existing and newly-formed centers to meet national standards. Currently, Temwa is assisting 13 preschools, five of which are newly established, providing much-needed resources, training, and support to caregivers. This includes Kasangamnyane ECD center, a preschool Esnart helped set up, which is expected to serve 20 to 30 children from Vumu and neighboring villages. “I am proud that I have been included in this project. As a mother, I want my child to be educated, and this is the foundation she needs,” Esnart shares.
In the first six months, the project has already seen promising outcomes. Caregivers from each preschool received training to help them create safe, engaging learning environments for the children. This includes using locally sourced materials for play and educational activities, which develop essential social and cognitive skills. Temwa’s support ensures children receive the nutrition they need to focus on learning, with many preschools introducing daily meals like porridge to help combat hunger-related distractions in the classroom.
One of the major challenges in rural Malawi has been community involvement and sustained support for ECD services. However, Temwa’s community-driven approach encourages local ownership and participation. Inspired by Esnart’s leadership, the Vumu community sourced a house to serve as a temporary preschool and pooled resources to provide three bags of maize to prepare porridge for the children. A community latrine and waste pit have also been established, showcasing the community’s commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.
The impact of early childhood education is profound. As noted in Temwa’s monitoring, children who attend preschool perform significantly better when they start primary school, reducing dropout rates and setting them on a path for long-term educational success. Through her role as the chairperson for the ECD committee, Esnart hopes to be a role model for her community. “Our chiefs saw the need of involving youths in roles like these,” she says. “We saw Temwa as a friend who has helped us realise the importance of ECDs.”
As Temwa’s ECD project continues, the organisation aims to support more preschools with resources, training, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring children like Esnart’s daughter have the best possible start. This project is not just about education; it’s about empowering communities to create a brighter, more resilient future for their children.
Read more about the ECD project in our latest here.