The Break Free Programme, implemented in 15 schools across Kazungula, Kalomo, and Monze districts, has transformed the lives of adolescents in Southern Province. On 14th August 2025, stakeholders gathered in Choma for the Provincial Close-Out Meeting, marking the successful completion of the five-year project.
The event brought together government leaders, teachers, young people, and partners, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Plan International, and District Resource Centre Coordinators. Fifteen headteachers from the participating schools joined the meeting, sharing experiences of change brought about by the project.
Through Break Free, at least 247 girls were re-admitted to school under the re-entry policy. Adolescents gained critical knowledge and life skills, teachers and health workers were trained to provide youth-friendly services, and communities united to protect children from harmful practices such as early marriage.
At Mwanza Primary School, Headman Hamudonga shared the community’s success story:“Since the introduction of the Break Free project by FAWEZA, we have seen a reduction in school dropouts. Every year we could record over 25 girls leaving school in our area. This year, we recorded no dropouts and achieved a 100% pass rate in Grade 9 for all the 15 girls who were re-entered during the external examinations.”
Speaking during the event, Mr. James Kaunda, Provincial Senior Education Standards Officer, commended FAWEZA for empowering adolescents:
“FAWEZA has remained a key partner in improving the lives of young people in Southern Province. Through the Break Free project, the organisation has supported the successful implementation of the re-entry policy, giving adolescent mothers another chance at education. The project has also enhanced financial literacy training and promoted gender-responsive teaching methods, creating inclusive and safe classrooms.”
FAWEZA Executive Director, Mr. Costern Kanchele, appealed to government and stakeholders to continue investing in adolescent rights, comprehensive sexuality education, and gender equality. He expressed gratitude to communities and partners who contributed to the project’s success, highlighting that 336 girls who had dropped out due to early marriages and pregnancies were successfully re-oriented and supported to return to school.
One of the beneficiaries, Buumba Munyama, a pupil at Nyawa Secondary School, testified to the impact of the initiative:
“FAWEZA has given me a second chance. Today I am back in school, working hard to achieve my dream of becoming a teacher. Without Break Free, this would not have been possible.”
