Project keeps learners in school

Communities in Kasungu have commended the Joint Programme on Girls Education Project implemented in the district by Development Communications Trust (DCT) for keeping learners in school.

Speaking on Friday at Chitunda Primary School in the district during an event aimed at celebrating the project’s success stories, group village head (GVH) Machado said many learners who dropped out of school have been readmitted and are performing well.

“We recognise the efforts by the teachers in ensuring that despite the challenges, our children get the best education. We will continue to support these efforts,” he said.

During the function, GVHs Machado and Kaphaizi contributed K100 000 each to assist needy students who have been selected to various secondary schools in their areas.

Kasungu district principal education officer Pious Ng’omang’oma called on organisations to support learners who returned to school through the readmission policy with resources.

“School dropout is a huge problem in Kasungu. Some drop out due to pregnancies, poverty or just a lack of interest in school,” he said.

DCT executive director Prince Mtelera said through the project, which started in 2022, they have empowered communities and learners to protect children who return to school from bullying.

“We are also building learners’ capacity in these schools so that they are able to demand social accountability from authorities to improve education,” he said.

Supported by Unicef, the project is being implemented in Dedza, Mangochi, Salima and Kasungu districts.