At least 50 girls are set to be accommodated in a hostel at Mpondasi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Mangochi next year.
This follows the construction of a K16 million (about $38 000) girls’ hostel at the school commissioned by the Anglican Church in Malawi.
During the ground breaking ceremony on Friday, Bishop Brighton Malasa of the Upper Shire Diocese, said the church is committed to promoting education of a girl-child.
“Many girls travel long distances to learn here, which exposes them to many risks as well as contributing to school drop outs. As a diocese, we are committed to ensuring that girls attain education, that’s why we are engaged in this girls’ hostel project,” said Malasa.
Although Mpondasi CDSS is one of the oldest schools in the district, it has no boarding facilities. The new girls’ hostel will accommodate as many as 50 of the 258 girls.
Malasa said after completion of this hostel, they will construct another one to ensure more girls and boys are accommodated at the school. He, however, asked parents not to force girls into early marriages.
An official from the district education office, Florence Likishoni, commended the Anglican Church for the initiative, saying it will help retain girls in school.
