Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Agnes Nkusa Nkhoma has urged students in Mchinji to work hard in school and complete their education to address poverty in their families.
She made the call on Tuesday at a career guidance and role modelling session organised by World Vision Malawi for students at Kamwanya Community Day Secondary School in Traditional Authority Mavwere.
Nkusa Nkhoma, who is also Mchinji South legislator, said the fight against poverty can be won in families if students complete their education and later help their households.
The deputy minister said most students, especially girls in rural areas, drop out of school due to lack of role models to inspire them and due to poverty.
“Poverty cannot end in families if students drop out due to early pregnancies. You need to complete your education to tertiary level or do informal skills development to economically empower yourselves,” she said.
Nkusa Nkhoma said government allocated money through Constituency Development Fund to support needy students. She said as a legislator, she will utilise the funds to help students who cannot pay school fees.
Nkusa Nkhoma then commended World Vision Malawi for organising the role modelling sessions which she said will help motivate students to complete their education.
World Vision Malawi Mchinji district sponsorship coordinator Hendrix Kalanje said apart from lack of financial assistance, girls lack motivation and career guidance from those who have achieved their goals.
Mchinji District education manager Nellie Kamtedza said most girls feel discouraged to go back to school after falling pregnant, but there is always a room for readmission after delivery.
