'Santy' initiates Girls' Peer Support Club to Curb COVID Pregnancies

COVID-19 has affected many facets of life and lately there have been reports concerning the rise of teenage pregnancies. Though reasons could vary from place to place depending on the different socio-cultural settings, many believe that the closure of schools as a measure of managing the spread of COVID-19 has significantly contributed to the rising numbers of teenage pregnancies. In Dedza, the district gender officer confirmed that ‘all men who impregnated and married young girls below the age of 18 during the COVID-19 pandemic period will be arrested.’

In Mangochi district where high numbers of teenage pregnancies have also been reported, a female artist ‘Santy’ initiated a girl’s peer support club to assist in fighting against the problem. The club which started as a casual conversation among girls has grown into a structured club with specific themes that are covered following the ‘GO GIRLS’ curriculum. 

Santy (Asante Asiatu Emment) described the club as effective in keeping girls engaged with relevant but interesting topics about sexual reproductive health, COVID-prevention, staying in school among several other topics. The club promotes the use of poems, games, stories and songs in describing experiences, challenges and solutions.

Santy is an alumnus of the Malawi Music Project, an annual event organized by Music Crossroads Malawi and Peace Corps Malawi which encourages the use of art to tackle social issues, learn more here Malawi Music Project. 

Santy also did a COVID-19 awareness song titled Tipewe COVID-19 

Some of her songs can be found here Santy Music

@Conservation Arts Malawi 2020

Art + ARCTIVISM  against Repression during the Covid-19 Crisis

Drawing the picture - COVID impacts

Primary school children in rural parts of Malawi normally get free meals at school; but, when the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to close in March 2020, families were left with the added cost burden for meals. The young learners receive hot porridge made from maize or soya bean flour mixed with salt and sugar. The aim is to increase enrollment for children who might fail to attend classes because of hunger in their families, and to meet the nutrition needs of the students.

Mawofozi, a drawing artist attempted to tell the story in this piece of art. The drawing describes both the frustration associated with closing of schools as well as the hope that we can keep our spoons and plates as schools are ready to reopen.

@Conservation Arts 2020; Art + Activism Against Repression During the Covid-19 Crisis, 

Open Society Foundations grant, Centre for Applied Human Rights - University of York (UK)