Children parliament amplifies voices in Mchinji

Mchinji Children’s parliament has raised concerns over inadequate resources in education as one of the major factors affecting children in schools across the district.

Speaking after the parliament session which took place at Chimteka Primary School, Speaker of the house, Thamison Fatsani said children are facing a number of problems in schools due to lack of resources which is affecting their progress and educational development in the district.

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“Children are failing to continue with their education because, despite their willingness to learn, the necessary resources are lacking.

“There are too few teachers, books are sometimes insufficient, and classrooms inadequate; factors that greatly affect the children’s performance, just as Members of Parliament have lamented,” said Fatsani.

The Director of Education, Youth and Sports in Mchinji, Joyce Hamsin, said children are part of the solution and need to be heard and protected.

“These children are current partners in development and giving them platforms such as these parliament sessions will help us as guardians hear our children’s issues and take proper channels to help them,” said Hamsini.

The Parliament was supported by Girls Empowerment Network (GENET).

GENET executive director, Faith Phiri said children’s participation is transformative, sustainable and more just. 

“As a nation we need to build communities that are accountable and responsive to protecting and fulfilling the rights of children and that can only be achieved if the children themselves are taking part in the discussions,” explained Phiri.

GENET is implementing a project called TIKUMA which is being funded by NORAD.