Breaking the Silence: Doreen’s Return to School After Early Pregnancy

For Doreen Chimayimba, returning to school required more than simply reopening a classroom door. It meant confronting fear, stigma, and deep self-doubt. At just 16 years old, Doreen’s education was interrupted in 2023 when she became pregnant at the age of 14, forcing her to drop out of school in Malata Village, Traditional Authority Msakambewa, Dowa District.

Although she longed to continue learning, Doreen remained at home, afraid of ridicule and judgement from peers she once studied alongside. Her situation was identified during a community mobilisation exercise under the Building a Brighter Future for Girls and Children with Disabilities Project, implemented by DAPP Malawi in collaboration with FEDOMA and Disability Partnership Finland, with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland via UFF Finland. Guided by information from the school head teacher, a DAPP volunteer and Project Officer followed up on her case to better understand the barriers she faced.

The assessment revealed a young girl eager to return to school but in urgent need of psychosocial support. The Project Officer worked closely with the school Mother Group and Doreen’s parents to provide counselling, guidance, and reassurance—helping her rebuild confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience. These collective efforts created a safe and supportive pathway for her reintegration into the education system.

At the start of the academic year, Doreen was successfully re-admitted to Dowa II Primary School in Boma Zone, where she resumed her studies in Standard 6. With encouragement from teachers and community structures, she is adjusting well and focusing on her academic progress. Doreen’s story is a powerful reminder that, with compassion, understanding, and donor-backed community support, girls affected by early pregnancy can reclaim their right to education and rebuild their futures.