Unicef country representative Penelope Campbell has expressed satisfaction with education interventions that encourage learners to remain in school, including during the time of drought in Nsanje District.
Development Communications Trust is running the six-month project with funding from Unicef to address school dropout in the district.
Speaking on Wednesday after visiting Nyachilenda Primary School in the district, Campbell said she was overwhelmed with learners who are taking part in encouraging their fellow learners to remain resilient during disasters such as drought.
She said: “I am pleased to hear how learners’ councils for Nyachilenda and Nkapako execute their duties such as tracing learners who are absent
from school, tracing teachers who are absent, observe if teachers are following timetables so that learners should have adequate access to education.
“On the other hand, I am pleased to hear how health and sanitation clubs are performing their duties to clean classes, toilets and put some water in every classroom and toilets for washing hands.”
Campbell, however, expressed disappointment
with other challenges schools are facing in Nsanje, including congestion, shortage of desks and lack of toilets.
Nsanje district education, youth and sports officer Paul Chimphanda said the interventions have improved the quality of education in 25 primary schools in the district.
“I thank Unicef for supporting the education system in many ways, including providing box kits and tents to Nyamithuthu, Mpatsa, Muona, Makhanga, Chikali and Chigwamafumu primary schools as well as Makhanga Community Day Secondary School,” he said.
Ndamera Youth Network vice-chairperson Chikondi Medson said they engaged village heads to encourage children to remain in schools during drought and other disasters.
Development Communications Trust executive director Prince Mtelera said he was happy that the interventions have addressed absenteeism for both learners and teachers in the targeted schools.
