Community leaders in Ntcheu have come under heavy scrutiny and accusation for allegedly fueling child marriages through initiation ceremonies in the district.
Ntcheu District Education Network Chairperson, Richard Nkhonjera lamented the situation on Monday; describing the vice as a serious setback to education progress resulting in poor results during national examinations in the district.
He suggested the revamping of local education structures to help in addressing the problem.
“We want to improve the standard of education in our district by ensuring that every school going child is in class instead of opting for early marriages. We believe that our goal will be achieved owing to concerted efforts among various stakeholders,” said Nkhonjera.
Meanwhile, Ntcheu District Social Welfare Officer, Rodwell Chunga cited drug and substance abuse among the youths as derailing efforts to improve the education standard in the district.
However, Inkosi Yamakhosi Gomani V, who is World Vision Malawi-WVM Ambassador on ending child marriages, has repeatedly warned to fire any chief found perpetrating child marriages under his area of jurisdiction.
WVM is one of the partners supporting Ntcheu District Council in improving education standards by ensuring that every child has access to education.
