PEA calls for enforcement of by-laws in Ngabu

Ngabu Zone primary education adviser (PEA) Harry Chisaka has called on traditional leaders to be vigilant in enforcing by-laws to keep pupils in school.

Chisaka made the remarks at Makande Primary School in Ngabu, Chikwawa during the Forum for Women Educationists in Malawi (Fawema) open day aimed at promoting girl education through Early Grade Reading Assessment (Egra), a programme being implemented with funding from Swedish Government.

“We have by-laws approved by the district council, but they are not enforced. We are calling upon traditional leaders to enforce them for the good of our pupils.

“More pupils do not go to school during winter cropping and when it is a market day near the school. It is incumbent upon parents to have passion for their children’s education,” said Chisaka.

Fawema official from Chikwawa, Nenani Mkuzi, said most parents are not

passionate about their children’s education; hence, the high drop-out rate in the district.

He said: “Fawema has action plans for the promotion of girls and women education and we are working with parent and teacher associations [PTAs] as well as local chiefs.

“Some of the challenges we are facing are cultural- oriented such as initiation ceremonies held during school days and also absenteeism.

“Chiefs should help us fight early marriages by not allowing such marriages in their villages by enforcing the by-laws. Parents as well must have passion for education of their children.”

During the event, pupils from Standard One to Four demonstrated their ability to read poems.

Ngabu Zone has 14 primary schools and 10 are on Fawema programme of which Changa was awarded as the best school and received K100 000 for having vibrant and progressive committees that implement by-laws. n