Ntcheu District Education Network (DEN) has accused community leaders in the district of allegedly perpetrating child marriages through initiation ceremonies.
The network’s chairperson, Richard Nkhonjera said the vice is a setback to education in the district as it contributes to poor performance in national examinations.
However, Nkhonjera has suggested the revamping and formulation of local education structures to ably address the issue in the communities across the district.
“We want to improve the standard of education in our district whereby we want every school-going child to be in school and not in marriages. We believe that our goal will be achieved owing to concerted efforts among various stakeholders,” said Nkhonjera.
Meanwhile, Ntcheu District Social Welfare Officer Rodwell Chunga said drug and substance abuse among the youths is derailing efforts to improve the standard of education in the district.
“Drug and substance abuse among the youths is also a serious challenge. We need to seriously engage youths to counter the challenge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V, who is World Vision Malawi’s ambassador for ending child marriages said he would fire any chief found perpetrating child marriages under his area of jurisdiction.
World Vision Malawi is one of the partners supporting the Ntcheu District Council in improving education standards by ensuring that every child has an access to education.
