Scotland announces $16.2 million for inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has unveiled a £12.5 million ($16.2 million) funding plan to promote inclusive education in Africa over five years. The funding will be allocated to Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia, with the aim of reducing barriers to education for vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities.
Two inclusive education programs to support vulnerable groups
The funding is to support two separate programmes. The first, Realising Inclusive and Safer Education (RISE), will receive £1.5 million per year from July 2024 to March 2029. It is dedicated to removing barriers that prevent out-of-school children with disabilities from accessing quality education.
The second programme, implemented by Oxfam in partnership with local organisations in Zambia, Rwanda and Malawi, will receive funding of £1 million per year. The programme aims to help girls and women continue their secondary education, facilitate their transition to higher or technical education, and thus increase their inclusion in the education system.
Meetings and commitments for sustainable development in Africa
During a meeting in London on 15 October with the High Commissioners of Malawi, Zambia and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda, the Scottish First Minister reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals of these partner countries. These discussions provided an opportunity to clarify the objectives of the funded education programmes and to lay the foundations for regular monitoring of their impacts.
Other Scottish commitments in the African education sector
In addition to this funding, Scotland is also involved in other education initiatives in Africa. It is contributing £356,000 to the World Bank’s Inclusive Education Policy Academy. In addition, a £150,000 fund has been set up for an online MBA scholarship programme for women in Zambia, in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
Conclusion
This funding from Scotland for inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia marks significant support for the education of vulnerable groups in Africa. Through these actions, the Scottish Government is reaffirming its commitment to equitable access to education, helping to build a sustainable future for the younger generations in these countries.
