Paramount Chief Kaduya of the Lhomwe people says harmful cultural practices that fuel early marriages have been abolished and has since urged her fellow chiefs to work with partners to keep girls in school.
The chief made the remarks during a media tour organised by Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) where journalists from the Southern Region visited projects the organisation is running in Mwanza and Phalombe districts.
Kaduya said some cultural practices previously contributed to school dropout among girls, but said traditional leaders have taken deliberate steps to eliminate such practices.
“We have a responsibility to protect our children. We cannot allow harmful cultural practices to rob girls of their future. That is why we are working with different organisations to ensure every girl remains in school,” she said.
Form One student Janet Kaminula at Michesi Secondary School in Phalombe said the organisation’s assistance has enabled her to continue with her education.
“My parents struggle to provide everything I need for school. Camfed gives me learning materials and other basic necessities, which motivates me to work hard and focus on my studies,” she said.
Another Camfed client, Utawaleza Kalumbula of Mwanza Secondary School, said the life skills sessions offered by the organisation have positively shaped her behaviour to pursue education.
“The training has taught me how to make responsible decisions and avoid behaviours that could destroy my future,” she said.
