School pledge on ending child marriages

On 16 January 2026, I had the opportunity to visit Kachanga Primary School to engage students in a discussion on child marriage, its causes, consequences, and the importance of speaking up as part of my planned activities for this year.

What stood out most was the depth of the questions raised by the learners:

“Do boys also face child marriage?”

“Can a child return to school after marriage or pregnancy?”

“What if someone is already married, can they still be helped?”

These powerful questions shaped the entire conversation and reflected the lived realities many children face. We discussed how child marriage, while disproportionately affecting girls in Malawi, is a harmful practice that impacts everyone, regardless of gender. We also explored how education plays a critical role not only in prevention, but in helping young people rebuild their lives with dignity, choice, and hope.

I emphasized to the students that life does not end with child marriage , it is possible to exit such situations, return to school, and pursue one’s dreams.

As a result of these discussions, 46 out of 50 students took a pledge to stand against child marriage.

Sharing my experience of working with children, I reflected:

“Change begins the moment a child realises that their voice can protect another child. Ending child marriage starts when children are empowered to believe that their dreams matter and that speaking up is not only their right, but their responsibility because young people’s voices can influence policy and help create healthier, safer communities.”

Grateful to the school leadership and students for creating a safe space for dialogue, courage, and commitment to change.