A team from My Tsogolo magazine has been visiting community day secondary schools (CDSSs) to engage local teachers in delivering writer’s workshops to students. These interactive workshops focus on building resilience by giving boys and girls an opportunity to recognize why gender stereotypes exist in Malawian culture, and to appreciate powerful women who have made a difference in Malawi despite traditional beliefs. The rural school tour encourages the participation of students, teachers and parents in the on-going Ngwazi Zazikazi story competition.

In this first round, schools in Blantyre, Mzuzu and Lilongwe were visited. The team has collaborated with the local TEVETA service centre to also come to the schools and share information about training opportunities in technical, entrepreneurial, and vocational education and training. As an added feature, STEP champions, poet Robert Chiwamba appeared at events in Mzuzu and singer Sangie performed in Lilongwe. Despite the tour happening during the examination period, the reception at schools has been wonderful, with dozens of stories for the competition collected and many t-shirts distributed. Local media have expressed interest in these events.

My Tsogolo magazine is an initiative to promote reading in schools, and information on career options in addition to university is part of what the magazine reports. For information on the magazine or to offer it support, write to the editor at: mytsogolo@gmail.com

Chichiri CDSS (Blantyre) learners listen attentively to Thom Chimono (My Tsogolo Team member) while he leads a discussion about understanding the gender equality laws in Malawi.

Chichiri CDSS (Blantyre) male learner is awarded with an Ngwazi Zazikazi T-shirt for a great poem reading performance.

Chichiri CDSS (Blantyre) female learner reads her short story submission for the Ngwazi Zazikazi story competition.

Chichiri CDSS (Blantyre) learners that performed their submissions for Ngwazi Zazikazi competition.

Katoto CDSS (Mzuzu) learners pose with local poet and STEP Champion Robert Chiwamba.

Local technical college students perform a drama about female empowerment for Katoto CDSS (Mzuzu).

Katoto CDSS (Mzuzu) learners received the latest copy of My Tsogolo Magazine for participating in discussions and performances.

Robert Chiwamba performs for Katoto CDSS (Muzuzu).

Chigodi CDSS (Lilongwe) leaners pose for selfie with local artist and STEP Champion Sangie.

Chigodi CDSS (Lilongwe) leaners perform a drama about the importance of the women in their lives.

Chigodi CDSS (Lilongwe) leaners and teachers sitting under the shade watching the Ngwazi Zazikazi CDSS Tour open day performances.

Isabel Kaila (My Tsogolo Team Member) invites audience members share their take home messages as the conclusion of the event.