Location
The Situation in Malawi
HIV/AIDS
Malawi has a population of about 13.9 million people and is currently facing the crisis of the HIV/Aids pandemic. In 2005, over 90,000 children were living with the HIV virus, and over a half million children had been orphaned because of this deadly disease, leaving many of them without adequate educational resources and support systems. Lives of young people are at great risk both in urban and suburban areas of Malawi.
- The majority of HIV/Aids infection occurs among young people between the ages of 13 and 24, which include a large sector of the school attending population.
- The primary problem of HIV/Aids has become critical as it continues to kill young people who would have otherwise contributed to the development of the nation.
- HIV/Aids has affected the social, educational, and economic life of the society as people spend more time taking care of those who are suffering from Aids, rather than working to sustain their families financially.
- Children are failing to continue with their education due to lack of adequate support.
HIV/AIDS is a threat to the lives of Malawian youth, and leaves many children in extreme poverty, without hope of receiving a good education.
EDUCATION
The quality of education in the capital city of Lilongwe, Malawi is very poor. The area is highly populated with many illiterate and impoverished families. Those that attend elementary school are still challenged by the high student to teacher ratio and a lack of resources. While primary education is free in Malawi, high school education is not. Most children are unable to attend high school due to a lack of financial support. Young women are under-represented in high schools and colleges.
Kanengo, a community in Lilongwe, is no exception to the problems concerning HIV/Aids and the poor quality of education. Kanengo is a densely populated area with the conditions of a slum that is formed by a flood of families from rural areas seeking employment in the city. The families are mostly poor and illiterate. It is because of the pressing needs in this area that Christ Cares Ministry is being established in Kanengo, providing a youth center for educational and recreational purposes.