Save the Children aids flood-hit schools

Save the Children has donated teaching and learning and other items worth K34 million to primary schools affected by floods in Nkhotakota District.

Speaking when he presented the items on Friday, Save the Children operations and humanitarian manager Steve Kamtimaleka said the support is part of efforts to help children in the affected areas get back to school.

He said: “Over 17 000 learners were affected meaning that learning was disrupted.

“We are focusing on education and protection. The whole essence is that we provide the life-saving interventions as well as some immediate recovery initiatives.”

Floods that followed incessant rains hit Nkhotakota District in February and March this year, destroying some teaching and learning materials as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) facilities.

Kamtimaleka also said they are supporting 17 schools with Wash materials such as buckets, soap and water guard.

“We will clean seven schools and disludge 21 pit latrines in four schools that were used as camps,” he said.

Nkhotakota district director of education, youth and sports Godfrey Kubwese hailed the support, saying it will motivate learners to remain in schools.

“Many learners suffered losses during the floods. This could easily lead to school dropouts. This intervention is, therefore, critical as it will motivate learners to attend classes,” he said.

In an earlier interview, Nkhotakota district director of planning and economic development Davies Kavalo said the floods also affected people’s livelihoods.

“The floods affected rice irrigation schemes and fish dams, rendering families destitute,” he said.