Livingstonia Synod warns against early marriages
The Church and Society of the CCAP Livingstonia Synod has warned the youth against early marriages, saying staying longer in school is likely to enhance the survival of their children.
Project officer Hughes Chinkuntha said this recently when the faith-based organisation trained members of youth clubs and children’s reading corner at Manolo in Mzimba West.
According to the locals, boys and girls under the age of 18 in remote settings are increasingly dropping out of school in preference for marriage.
The risk factors include peer pressure, long distances between schools, widespread poverty, child labour in tobacco estates and prevailing cultural prejudices that push girls into marriage while boys proceed with education.
“Experience has taught us that those who marry prematurely often end up having more children without necessary knowledge and skills for their upbringing,” said Christopher Chiwowa, a Form Two dropout who rues ending up in a polygamous set-up.
Funded by Transform Aid International of Australia, Church and Society is promoting children’s wellbeing though child-centred community development initiatives.
Mzimba district youth officer Samuel Gondwe praised the CCAP programme for enhancing child protection, participation, survival and development.
