One of the key events in November 2024 was the official launch of the TiKuMA Programme. The Tilimbikitse ndi Kuteteza ma Ufulu a Ana (TiKuMA) programme was launched on November 1, 2024, in Mchinji District. With a funding value of approximately 18 billion Kwacha, the project is supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through Save the Children. The programme will reach 65 schools in Mchinji and 47 schools in Balaka, with the goal of ensuring that by 2028, all children in these districts enjoy their right to education and protection.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including Save the Children’s Director of Programs, Operations, Partnerships and Award Management, Chakufwa Munthali, and Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Ingrid Mikelsen. Both emphasized the project’s role in strengthening child protection systems and enhancing educational opportunities across Malawi.
Ambassador Mikelsen stressed the importance of supporting initiatives like TiKuMA, stating, “This project represents an important step in improving child protection and creating education opportunities for the children of Malawi.”
Nertha Mgala, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, who was the guest of honor at the launch, commended Save the Children for their ongoing work in child protection and education. She remarked, “A child who is not protected cannot focus on their education and achieve their goals. This project will make a significant difference in the lives of many children.”
The TiKuMA Programme takes a localization approach, empowering children and youth while partnering with local organizations to ensure sustainability. This strategy seeks to shift power to the communities, ensuring that the solutions are not only effective but also locally driven.
The programme is designed to tackle key challenges such as school dropouts, child marriages, and cultural barriers to education, while ensuring children are safeguarded from abuse and exploitation. It aims to strengthen community and government systems to protect the well-being of children.
TiKuMA builds on the success of the Securing Children’s Rights through Protection and Education (SCREP) Project, which operated from 2019 to 2024 in Lilongwe, Mwanza, Neno, and Mzimba districts. The experience gained from SCREP provides the foundation for the expanded efforts in Balaka and Mchinji, empowering communities to protect children and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.
Prime Time Media, a leading creative agency in Malawi, has played a crucial role in supporting the TiKuMA Programme by producing radio spots, jingles, and other media content to raise awareness about children’s rights and education. This collaboration builds on Prime Time Media’s previous involvement with the SCREP Project, where they produced impactful media content to amplify the project’s message across communities.
In preparation for the TiKuMA Programme, a message development workshop was held in Liwonde, where experts from various organizations came together to create impactful materials for the project. Participating groups included the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), Girls Empowerment Network (GENET), Girls Empowerment and Youth Organisation (GAYO), Parents of Children with Disabilities in Malawi (PODCAM), NGO Coalition on Child Rights, and Prime Time Media. The workshop focused on developing key messages and scripts for radio spots, jingles, and other media materials aimed at raising awareness and promoting children’s rights and education.”
Here is one of the Radio Spots produced by Prime Time Media, promoting Youth Access to SRHR Services.
