Pregnancies, dropout cases frustrate project

The Malawi Red Cross has expressed worry over cases of pregnancy, absenteeism and school dropout among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) it supports in primary and secondary schools in Karonga.

Red Cross supports 270 OVC in different secondary schools and 600 OVCs in primary schools under the Child Care and Support Project, a major component of Red Cross’ K5.1 billion community-based health care programme (CBHCP) funded by Danish Red Cross.

The project covers school fees, examinations fees, exercise books, uniforms, shoes, food supplies, school bags and study materials to educate the OVC.

Speaking during the Day of the African Child celebrations which the Malawi Red Cross organised at Uliwa in Karonga on Friday, project officer for the district Elliot Nazonse said the pregnancy, absenteeism and dropout cases are a threat to the continuity of the project.

According to Nazonse, the project has already recorded six cases of pregnancies this term. He said two of the girls are in primary school while four are in secondary school.

“Donors put a lot of money into the child care and support component. It is frustrating to send a child to school, provide her with everything and weeks later you hear she is out of school because she is pregnant,” he said.

Nazonse called on leaders in the district to enforce by-laws to protect the children’s education. He said without the involvement of leaders, the communities will lose out the support.

Wasambo area development chairperson Harry Mhango said it is unfortunate that money is going down the drain when there are by-laws that can curb the cases affecting the project.

Karonga assistant social welfare officer Atupele Mwalweni said her department will counsel the children, their parents and guardians on the issue.