eyes to what they can achieve, and now they feel more responsible for their community’ s progress.”
Two other parents from the same community( Galileya) described similar experiences, with their EIP children becoming advocates and leaders:
“ I didn’ t expect my child to become such an advocate for education in our village. They’ re now eager to tell others how important it is, especially for girls”
— Galileya EIP parent / guardian
“ My child used to stay out of most community activities, but now they’ re eager to get involved. They even started taking on small leadership roles, like helping younger kids with their homework. They’ re becoming more curious about how they can help and develop skills to support their community when they grow older.”
— Galileya EIP parent / guardian
Students also self-reported their increased interest and confidence in being part of their communities:“ Before I thought helping the community was for adults. Now I see that even students like me can help. Education is not just for me but to lift others too.”
4.2.7 Improved Support and Engagement in Education Among Parents and Guardians
93 % of EIP students interviewed reported that their parents / guardians had become more supportive and engaged in their education( 90 % F, 95 % M). The remainder said there had not been a change. A parent from Galileya told us“ We try our best to encourage our children... We check their attendance when we hear they missed class, and we follow up with school staff when there’ s a problem.”
4.2.8. Parents Improving Family Food Security
Parents reported that The Sonder Project’ s support through the EIP has had a ripple effect in their lives. For example, one parent from Matundu said:
“ The sponsorship has brought some peace into our household. For one it’ s relieved the financial burden, so I don’ t have to worry as much about school expenses. I can focus on our farm work and ensure the family eats well.”
— Mantundu EIP parent / guardian
On the other hand, while other parents in the group expressed the same positive sentiments, several parents experience confusion around EIP regulations, and some experience a sense of disengagement with the project regarding its student removal protocols, which includes removal if a student fails one exam, including the Malawi School Certificate of Education( MSCE), a national examination. Two separate parents explained:
“ I understood that the child had to do well in school, but I didn’ t know they would be removed from the program if they failed.”
— EIP parent / guardian
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