Chikwawa teachers, parents fight against early marriages

Teachers and parents in Traditional Authority (T/A) Ngabu in Chikwawa say they will remain united in the fight against early marriages to ensure that girls are educated.

The teachers and parents said this on Tuesday when the Creative Centre for Community Mobilisation (Creccom) donated different several items to school going girls at a ceremony held at Dolo Teachers Development Centre (TDC) in the area.

Speaking on behalf of teachers, primary education adviser (PEA) for Dolo Zone, Felix Nkundula said through the partnership between teachers and parents, many parents realise the importance of sending girls to school.

“In the past, it was difficult to retain girls in school because many parents were forcing their daughters into early marriages.

“But with the coming of Creccom, teachers and parents recently sat down and agreed that no parent should allow his/her daughter to enter into early marriage,” said Nkundula.

Group Village Headman (GVH) Nyambiro said parents are now discouraging their daughters from early marriages.

Creccom is implementing the Promotion of Girls Education (Proge) programme which aims at empowering girls to stay in school.

The project, which is funded by Unicef, is also being implemented in Mangochi, Thyolo and Nsanje where schools receive recreational materials such as volleyball nets, balls, lamps, exercise books, school bags and mathematical instruments.

According to Creccom senior project officer, Zione Musa, the donated items are worth K8.2 million (US$16 400).