Speech at Nthulu Primary School

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, and especially all you schoolchildren

I would like to thank you all for welcoming us so warmly to Nthulu Primary School today. A special thanks to the school management and to all the learners who have shared their stories and thoughts with me. I am inspired by your bravery and your determination to pursue your education, despite the many challenges you are facing.

What I have learnt today about your experiences and challenges will be of great use in my work as co-chair of the UN advocacy group to accelerate the efforts to achieve the millennium goals on education.

Education is key to eradicating poverty. That is why my Government has made education a top priority in its development policy. We are giving particular priority to education for girls. Education enables girls to take care of themselves and their families. Education also prevents early marriages, and empowers girls to stand up for their rights.

When you educate a girl, you educate a nation. 

Today, Norway, Malawi and a number of UN agencies have signed an agreement to improve both access to and the quality of primary education in Malawi.

My Government is prepared to be a key partner in your efforts to ensure that all Malawians have access to high quality education.  The signing of the agreement by Malawi and Norway today is a major step forward in the partnership between our two countries.

Thank you.