Schools in sanitation drive

Primary schools in Mzimba District were engaged in a clean-up campaign during the just-ended third term to improve sanitation around their premises.

The campaign was part of Malawi Red Cross Society Clean School Competition introduced among 27 primary schools in Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande in the district. Manyenyezi Primary School emerged winners of the competition.

Speaking on Thursday, the society’s project coordinator Brian Katete said they wanted to improve sanitation in schools.

He said: “It is a concern that our societies are struggling with sanitation issues in schools, homes and hospitals.

“This is why we conducted the competition to motivate pupils to take care of their surroundings.”

Katete said the organisation formulated an independent evaluation team that visited the schools and assessed them on the availability of water facilities, sanitary facilities and classroom hygiene.

Manyenyezi Primary School head teacher Grey Mphepo said it was not easy for his school to score 43 out 50 and come up on top.

“Looking at the marks, we still have a big room for improvement to ensure that our school is clean,” he said.

T/A Kampingo Sibande commended Malawi Red Cross Society for the sanitary projects being implemented in his area.

The winners of the competition were awarded with wheelbarrows, shovels, soap and assorted tools.