Room to Read Hails Life Skills Success of She Creates Change in Thyolo and Mulanje

Students at Mulomba CDSS attentively watch Dewmini’s film

Room to Read’s Global Director for Gender Equality, Zamaradi Said Islahi, has praised the impact of the She Creates Change project during a learning visit to two schools where the initiative is being implemented by the Creative Centre for Community Mobilisation (CRECCOM). The visit covered Mulomba CDSS in Mulanje and St Anthony Henry Secondary School in Thyolo.

“The overall impression of the day’s visit is: well done!” Zamaradi said. “We saw boys and girls actively engaged, most having completed the sessions—that’s a success. Hearing how they relate to the videos and share their lived experiences is a major achievement.”

Students at St Anthony Henry Secondary School engage with Diksha’s story

She Creates Change is ta film series combining animation and live action to promote gender equality through the real-life stories of girls from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The films highlight challenges like early marriage, menstruation, sexual harassment, and climate injustice, and show the life skills girls use to overcome them.

CRECCOM Executive Director Alinafe Ireen Chibwana called the project a game-changer. “It equips learners with critical thinking, decision-making, and collaboration skills, helping them face real-life challenges with confidence,” she said.

Room to Read’s Zamaradi Said Islahi and CRECCOM Executive Director Alinafe Ireen Chibwana share notes upon arrival at St Anthony Henry Secondary School.

Students shared how the stories have inspired them. Caroline Chimombo said Diksha’s story taught her the value of collaboration. Asante Mlenga, who dreams of becoming a surgeon, said Naifat’s video gave her the courage to stick to her dream despite discouragement. At Mulomba CDSS, Samson Mbiliya was inspired by Dewmini’s story of working with her family to earn income, saying he now plans to support his parents more at home.

St Anthony Henry’s Deputy Headteacher, Chifundo Jeremani, said, “The videos are a powerful learning tool. They help students reflect and change their mindset in a positive way.”

CRECCOM is implementing She Creates Change in 14 Community Day Secondary Schools across Mulanje and Thyolo. One video is shown per session during school days. Teachers collect feedback through discussions and help students develop action points to address the challenges raised.