Malaika has won a World Literacy Award for their significant contribution to literacy by an organisation.
The announcement was made at the World Literacy Award online event hosted by the World Literacy Foundation.
The awards were judged by a 16-strong panel which included writer, director, producer, Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, author and screenwriter Victoria Aveyard, Dr. Cree, the Chair of the World Literacy Council, and Tae Keller, author of the Newbery winning ‘When You Trap a Tiger’. There were many worthy nominees and winners of interest, for their outstanding work in literacy, around the world.
Through the incredible work of founder Noëlla Coursaris Musunka judges deemed Malaika, a nonprofit organisation empowering girls and their communities in the DRC through education and health, as having demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in commitment to the advancement of literacy.
Before Malaika, the village of Kalebuka in south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo had no access to electricity, clean water, educational facilities or technology. Malaika’s community-driven model has been integral to the organisation’s success since its founding. Through a comprehensive, local approach, an entire village has undergone a transformative ripple effect.
Outside of the gates of the school, which educates 400 students, they are ensuring the entire community thrives. The Malaika Community Center, opened in 2013 partially in partnership with FIFA, provides a hub of learning for over 5,000 youth and adults each year.
The 21 wells Malaika has built or refurbished provide clean water to more than 32,000 people each year, and the agriculture program helps feed students and staff two nutritious meals each day. From free literacy and vocational education to sports programs and regular access to the internet, Malaika is empowering lives from the ground up.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation says “The World Literacy Awards put a spotlight on people and organisations that are doing exemplary and innovative work in the literacy sector.”
“The pandemic has caused serious disruption in the lives of children learning to read and write, particularly those from low-income homes with limited access to books, education resources and online learning tools. Malaika’s exemplary work in changing the lives of thousands of young people, mainly girls, through education, skills and improved living conditions is awe-inspiring.
The judges were taken aback by the achievements and contributions to literacy by this organization,” added Kay
It all starts with education: Malaika believes ‘an educated woman is more likely to give back to her community, to inspire others to attend school, and to cultivate a sense of independence among both her peers and the next generation’.
Malaika believes that this community-driven model can, and should, be adopted on the global stage.
“My message to every child, to every young girl, is this: take your opportunity, go to school. Educate yourself. Become pioneers of education and pioneers of Africa and the world,” said Malaika founder, Noëlla Coursaris Musunka.
