Abstract

Despite the profound contribution of the Grey Nuns to the promotion of girl education in Malawi, their history is missing from textbooks and library shelves, leading to ignorance about them. The purpose of this qualitative and phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of these sisters in their quest of promoting girl education. The designed methods for data generation included: interview guides, focus group discussion guide and observation. The data was generated, after which it was analysed, interpreted and presented descriptively, according to the themes and sub themes based on the research questions, in the light of liberation theology. The findings from the study revealed several reasons for the Grey Nuns’ involvement in girl education which included: gender equality in education; and faith and service in the lives of the nuns. It also revealed that relentless emphasis on discipline, supporting the poor girl child and provision of conducive physical environment in terms of security, proper food, provision of adequate teaching and learning materials; and supporting the education of men or boys, were used as means. The findings appreciated the contribution of the nuns in promoting girl education. The study revealed some factors that blocked the success of the methods applied. These included: social-cultural, economic, geographical, religious, and educational factors. The study concluded that the Grey Nuns have contributed greatly to the promotion of girl child education in Malawi since 1946, driven by their charism and application of proper methods.

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School	: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issued Date	: 2016

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