Organisers of the Chiwanja Cha A Yao cultural festival say this year’s event will focus on promoting girls’ education.

Speaking at a media briefing in Blantyre on Wednesday, the organisers said the event, which is scheduled for October 10 in Salima, aims to support 75 girls from 15 primary schools across the country.

The event will be held under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage. Educating Our Girls. Building Our Future.”

“Every girl should have the opportunity to attend school, complete her education and pursue her aspirations, regardless of economic hardship, early marriage or other social pressures. Keeping girls in school is a shared responsibility involving families, traditional leaders, schools, the government, civil society, the private sector and development partners,” said the chairperson of the grouping, Prince Mtelera.

Concurring with Mtelera, Senior Chief Kapeni from Blantyre, who is also the chairperson of the National Chiefs Council, said traditional leaders must use their influence to protect the future of girls and create communities where every girl has the opportunity to learn, succeed and fulfil her potential.

“We want a society where parents will keep girls in school, address early marriage and other harmful practices, as well as mobilise support for vulnerable girls,” he said.

Launched in 2018, Chiwanja Cha A Yao brings together Yao communities and traditional leaders from across Malawi and abroad to promote social cohesion and protect and promote Yao cultural heritage.

This year’s event has been budgeted at K232 million, with organisers calling for support from various stakeholders.