Tionge Mtambo

Tionge Mtambo’s journey from a child bride to an award-winning educator is a remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and leadership. Born in Malawi, she faced an unimaginable challenge when, at just 14 years old, she was forced into child marriage. Despite this, Tionge was determined not to let her circumstances define her future. Balancing her educational pursuits with the burdens of early marriage, she fought to protect the dreams that would later fuel her dedication to teaching. Her personal struggles have shaped her professional mission to safeguard vulnerable children, especially girls, from similar fates. 

In 2017, Tionge began her teaching career at Nahayombo Primary School, in Chitipa district – a rural area experiencing extreme poverty, hunger, and gender inequality. In this community, early marriage was a common fate for many girls, and the challenges to education significant. Undeterred by these barriers, Tionge used her salary to provide school uniforms, books, and pens to vulnerable students, ensuring no child would feel excluded. Acknowledging hunger and poverty as key obstacles to learning, she introduced a school feeding programme in 2018, which had immediate positive effects on attendance and academic performance. With support from well-wishers she mobilised via social media, her initiative transformed the learning environment, as students arrived at school nourished and more focused. 

Building on this success, Tionge tackled the issue of long commutes, particularly for girls. To protect them from the risks of harassment and early marriage, she spearheaded the construction of girls’ hostels near the school. These have become safe spaces for over 15,000 vulnerable learners, ensuring they stay in school and receive an education free from the threat of child marriage. Her work extended beyond the walls of her school, mobilising local communities and donors to replicate these programmes across the district, contributing to a significant rise in Chitipa's educational rankings – now seventh nationally in Standard 8 exam results. 

One of Tionge’s most innovative teaching practices is the introduction of spelling bee competitions to improve literacy and boost students' confidence. Since 2018, over 7,000 students across the district have participated, with many advancing to district and national competitions. These initiatives have sparked a renewed enthusiasm for learning among students, many of whom had previously struggled with basic literacy. 

Tionge’s contributions to the community are not limited to her classroom. She is a tireless advocate for girls' education, organising charity events and awareness campaigns to raise funds for scholarships and educational resources. She works closely with local NGOs and community leaders to tackle gender inequality and child marriage, educating families on the importance of education and the dangers of early marriage. She has also written articles for local media, raising awareness of these critical issues. 

In recognition of her impact, Tionge was named Malawi's Best Teacher of the Year in 2022 and has received numerous other accolades, including awards from World Vision and Senior Traditional Authority Mwabulambya. Her story has been featured in both national and international media, showcasing her extraordinary contributions to education and social change. Today, as headteacher of Tondola Primary School, Tionge’s journey from child bride to educational leader continues to inspire not only her students but her entire community. 

Tionge Mtambo’s passion for teaching and her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children make her a deserving candidate for the Global Teacher Prize. Her unwavering dedication to addressing the barriers that many children face in accessing quality education has created a legacy of transformation and hope in Malawi.