First Lady Gertrude Mutharika yesterday stressed the need to promote education in the country for continued development.
She made the remarks during the official opening of two community day secondary schools (CDSS) in Zomba constructed with technical support from Save the Children at Tillie and Bevlee and funded by Professor Gerlard Breslauer and Wunderkinder Foundation.
Mutharika said for the country to develop, there is need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to promote education at all levels.
She expressed gratitude to Save the Children for constructing the secondary schools and urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to work hard in class.
“It is sad to note that there are still parents who are forcing their children to marry so that the children support the parents financially once they are married,” Mutharika observed.
The First Lady said the schools have reduced the distance that learners walk to school, thereby reducing drop outs that frustrates child education.
Save the Children USA chief executive officer Carolyn Miles commended government and communities in Zomba for supporting the project.
She also commended Gerlard Breslauer and Wunderkinder Foundation for providing financial support for the construction of the two schools.
Miles then pledged continued support for children initiatives by Save the Children.
Since 2003, Save the Children has assisted over 79 000 children in Zomba.
