Chikwawa district education office cautions learners, community

Chikwawa district education manager Chrissie Chimsale has called on various stakeholders to sensitise learners and community members to be cautious when crossing rivers.

She said interview on Wednesday in the context of four learners who drowned in the district in December 2019.

Chimsale said  her office is saddened with the deaths of the four learners.

She said the first reported death was that of a Standard Four learner at Mitondo Primary School under Senior Chief Makhuwira in the district.

The learner is said to have gone for a bath in a river at Kamoto Village in the area.

She said another Standard Six learner aged 12 at St Mathews Primary School in group village head Pangiresi drowned as he tried to take a bath in Mkombezi River.

“We also lost another Standard Two learner aged eight from Njereza Primary School, who drowned at a canal located around Kasinthula area,” said Chimsale

Standard Three learner from Mlambe Primary School also drowned in Nyakambe River as he was taking a bath.

Malawi Red Cross Society Chikwawa projects officer Cecilia Banda expressed worry with the development.

“This is really sad. Since schools have opened, I believe teachers must also include sensitisation in their daily interaction with the learners,” she said.

On his part, Chikwawa district social welfare officer Rosemary Mahata said parents should be mindful on the whereabouts of their children at all times.