UKCDS

Scotland and Malawi: partners in development

8 March 2010

Scotland's special link with Malawi dates back to the work of Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone. In recognition of this special relationship, a Co-operation Agreement was signed in 2005 to strengthen links between the two countries outlining collaboration in civil society/governance, sustainable economic development, health and education. Five years on and the Malawi Development Programme continues to flourish.

For example, with Scottish Government support, Link Community Development (LCD) are addressing the critical problem of high drop out rates and low learner attainment, particularly among girls, in rural primary schools in Malawi.

Working with their partners in country, LCD is establishing mother groups in over 350 schools in order to support and encourage the education of girls, as well as developing the capacity of female teacher and district education networks to contribute towards improving primary education. By 2011 the project will have set up a national network for school improvement, where learning and good practice can be shared between the Government of Malawi's Ministry of Education and civil society organisations.

Working with the Government of Malawi to determine actions and priorities, the Scottish Government ring fences a minimum of £3 million each year from its International Development Fund, to develop a distinctive Scottish development contribution. It funds Scottish organisations directly and focuses on partnerships and achieving real and tangible outcomes for the people of Malawi.

On the health front, Concern Worldwide is using Scottish Government funding to develop the ability of communities to identify, refer and treat children with severe malnutrition and prevent malnutrition over the longer term. The project currently has a total of 2,468 health volunteers who promote health and nutrition messages through community meetings. Concern Worldwide is extending this successful programme of work in Southern and Eastern Rwanda where they have received support under the Scottish Government's Sub Saharan Africa Development programme.

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