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Thyolo commemorates Day of African Child

 

Thyolo District Social Welfare office on Friday commemorated the Day of the African Child with a call for parents to send their children to school to prepare them to become reliable citizens.

Speaking during the ceremony, which took place at Ntambanyama Primary School in Traditional Authority (T/A) Khwethemule in the district, social welfare officer Elizabeth Mlatho said poverty is forcing a lot of children to drop out of school.

Children need protection from abuse
Children need protection from abuse

The day, which was set aside by the African Union (AU), is commemorated on June 16 to reflect on the plight of the African child.

“Boys in senior classes are forced to drop out of school and work in estates to sustain their lives while girls are being married off to ease pressure of resources in their parents’ homes,” said Mlatho.

Senior Chief Chikumbu of Mulanje, who attended the function to motivate girls and other chiefs with her various achievements, called on the district council and chiefs to set up by-laws to punish parents whose children do not go to school.

She said: “We have done the same in my area which has helped us deal with such challenges.”

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