Gumba Zone learners petitions Mutharika

Learners from Gumba Zone, a remote area about 70 kilometres from Mchinji Boma, have petitioned President Peter Mutharika to address education challenges in the area.

The petition was delivered through Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa during the launch of Save the Children Campaign aimed at reaching every child.

The petition, which was drafted by learners from different primary schools in the zone, highlights poor education standards in rural schools resulting from insufficient school blocks, lack of teachers, teaching and learning materials.

The learners also asked government to introduce Forms Three and Four at Gumba Community Day Secondary School which currently has only Form One and Two.

Alinafe Saison, a Standard Eight learner at Lombwa Primary School in the zone, said they decided to draw the President’s attention  after being overwhelmed by challenges in the zone.

“We think if we let the President know our story he will do something about it. We expect things to get better,” said Saison.

In his remarks, Nankhumwa admitted that poor infrastructure and resources in the area are not conducive to children’s education.

“Let me assure you that I will deliver this petition to the President so that these challenges are addressed to ensure equal access of education to learners in this area,” he said. n