Reproductive health project excites learners

Primary and secondary school learners from Dowa, Ntchisi and Lilongwe districts have expressed excitement with a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) project Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (Fawema) is implementing in their districts.

The project, which seeks to reduce school dropout due to pregnancies and child marriages, has established clubs in schools where learners share SRH information.

To enhance SRH knowledge among learners, Fawema, under the Innovations in Health Rights and Development (iHeard) project, organises quizes and discussions between schools.

Speaking on Monday after a quiz between Chakhaza and Ndevu Hope community day secondary schools (CDSSs) in Dowa, Chakhaza CDSS iHeard Club chairperson Letrina Chimphiri said they discuss the dangers of child marriages and teen pregnancies.

“We discuss the importance of remaining in school. Through quiz competitions, we are also able to share experiences with learners from other schools,” she said.

Chakhaza CDSS head teacher Tobias Chidzalo said the project has motivated girls to remain in school.

Fawema executive director Wesley Chabwera said formation of clubs is one of the strategies they are using to disseminate SRH messages.

“We engage boys and girls through their clubs to ensure they know about SRH services to prevent unplanned pregnancies which lead to school dropout,” he said.

Fawema project manager Agatha Njunga said they also organised other cluster competitions in Chinkhwiri and Kayoyo education zones in Dowa and Ntchisi, respectively.

Fawema is among the implementing the five-year project with funding from Global Affairs Canada.