Red Cross constructs K5.5m toilet to keep girls in school

Lack of proper sanitation facilities and the absence of change rooms in primary schools are some of the obstacles that hinder girls from proceeding with their education.

The situation prompted Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) to construct a modern toilet with sanitary facilities worth K5.5 million at Kalanga Primary School in Group Village Head (GVH) Kalanga, Sub-Traditional Authority (ST/A) Govati in Mwanza District.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, MRCS district project officer Charles Nyirenda said one of the core duties for his organisation was to address challenges faced by girls in schools; hence, construction of the toilet.

“A proper toilet which provides privacy is a prerequisite for a girl to continue with her education. This is why we decided to construct this toilet here,” he said.

According to Nyirenda, a joint survey conducted in the area by officials from his organisation and education department revealed that Kalanga School had the highest enrolment of girls but had inadequate toilets.

William Kulapani, who represented the district commissioner (DC) for Mwanza, hailed Red Cross for the gesture, saying it would promote education, especially for girls in the district.

The school’s head girl, Zawo Mangwaya, said the new toilet, which has a change room and disability-friendly facilities, will address challenges girls used to face at her school.n