First Lady laments low secondary school intake

First Lady Monica Chakwera has expressed concern with the low levels of progression from primary to secondary school in the country, saying it needs to be changed.

Speaking yesterday at Luviri in Rumphi, where a local non-governmental organisation Eva Demaya Centre has constructed a full boarding secondary school, the second boarding facility in the district, Chakwera said an educated society is empowered.

According to the Ministry of Education, only 15 percent of pupils in the country progress to secondary schools despite an 80 percent uptake at primary level.

The First Lady, therefore, said the Eva Demaya Centre initiative complements efforts to increase access to education in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 4.

Said Chakwera: “The low levels of progression from primary to secondary education is an issue of great concern to the Tonse Government and all Malawians, a story we want to change. If our country is to develop, we need to have a robust education system which can support learners at all levels of education.”

On her part, Education Minister Agnes NyaLonje called for concerted efforts in ensuring that capacity for schools is increased.

Eva Demaya Centre founder and director Jacqueline Kouwenhoven, who is also former Rumphi West legislator, said the facility cost K215 million.

She said: “This facility is a result of the will of the people of this area to send their children to a good school. We have tried our part, and I would ask if government would provide desks and beds.

The facility has two classroom blocks, seven staff houses, one office block, 20 toilets, two hostels, two bathrooms, and a cooking shelter.