NGO courts candidates on girls’ education
Malawi Girl Guides Association (Magga) on Saturday courted parliamentary candidates in Mulanje to commit towards protecting girls from sexual abuse which is fuelling school dropouts.
During the function, the aspirants signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) pledging to solve challenges girls experience in their quest to attain education in the district.
Speaking in an interview, Magga national coordinator Mphatso Baluwa Jam said it was important for the girls to engage the aspirants as they are key stakeholders in ensuring the district overturns high dropouts among them.
“We hope the candidates will consider the girls’ petition and help them continue with their education,” she said.
In her remarks, former child justice magistrate Esmie Tembenu said members of Parliament (MPs) are crucial in formulating laws that protect children.
“We want Mulanje to be the best in as far as protecting children from sexual abuse is concerned,” she said.
Mulanje district gender development officer Mafunga Jam said the district council will incorporate the issues raised in the petition into the district plan which runs up to 2022.
Mulanje Mission Community Day Secondary School student Mercy Manjolo said the petition contains a number of issues including sexual abuse which is fuelling HIV and Aids and the need for MPs to facilitate bursaries for needy students.
