255 youths rescued from early marriages in Karonga

Foundation for Community Support Services (Focus) has rescued 225 youths from early marriages in Karonga District and has pledged  financial support to them.

Speaking on Saturday in Karonga during a meeting, project coordinator Griffs Nyirongo said early marriages remain a challenge in Karonga, a development which is affecting girls’ education.

“Girls in Karonga are forcibly getting married at tender ages. “As Focus, we remain committed to ensuring that girls that have been rescued are supported in areas of their need such as school fees,” he said.

Nyirongo, however, said that some of the youths have indicated that they will be going to school while they are still in marriage.

One of the rescued girls, Enala Ngulu, attributed the problem to harmful cultural practices.

Ngulu, who is now employed by Focus after obtaining  her  Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)after she  returned to school, emphasised the need for stakeholders to coordinate to arrest the situation.

The majority of the youths hail from Traditional Authorities (T/As) Kilupula and Kyungu, and are aged between 10 to 18. n