Youths empowered to protect girls in schools

Ukhondo Service Foundation has engaged head boys and girls from nine primary schools in Chombe Education Zone in Nkhata Bay District to protect girls who return to school from bullying.

Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with the learners and teachers, the foundation’s project officer Sabina Mwenelupembe said she was happy with the response from the learners’ representatives.

“These young leaders have shown commitment to champion non-discrimination in their schools,” she said. 

Chombe Primary School head girl Judith Nyirenda said she will urge her fellow learners to stop bullying girls who returned to school after dropping out.

“Some learners don’t understand that our friends who became pregnant or married need our support so that they don’t feel out of place,” she said.

Vizala Primary School head teacher Felistus Chirwa thanked Ukhondo Service Foundation for engaging stakeholders to ensure girls who return to school are not bullied.

“Girls withdrawn from marriages and those who became pregnant should not be discriminated against because this can lead to their permanent withdrawal from school,” she said.

With support from Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, the foundation is implementing a Girl Learner Back to School Project in Nkhata Bay, Karonga, Chitipa, Rumphi, Mzimba and Likoma districts.