In Traditional Authority Mizinga, Machinga District, poverty and a lack of basic school necessities continue to be significant barriers to re-enrollment efforts for school dropouts, child marriage survivors, and teen mothers. This was highlighted by Edna James, a teacher mentor at Nambaiko Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), during an open day organized by the Association of Teacher Mentors in partnership with Youth Wave under the Power to Youth program.
James reported that the association currently supports over 31 underprivileged primary and secondary students, providing mentorship and school supplies. However, she emphasized that financial limitations prevent the association from assisting more students, as their funding relies largely on personal contributions from teachers. “The need is much greater than we can currently meet,” James said, pointing to the ongoing struggle to keep more students in school.
Abdul Makungwa, a former school dropout and beneficiary of the mentorship program, praised the initiative, stating that it has reignited his dream of becoming a medical doctor. “The support I’ve received has given me hope and motivation to pursue my ambitions,” Makungwa said, underscoring the transformative impact the mentorship program has had on his life.
Group Village Headman Kalidoso commended the collaborative efforts between teacher mentors and the Chiefs Forum under the Power to Youth program, which have succeeded in rescuing 91 children from child marriages in the area. He highlighted the importance of these partnerships in tackling both educational and social challenges facing the community.
Youth Wave, through the Power to Youth program, has been supporting the Mizinga Teacher Mentors Association since its inception in 2021. The initiative aims to end child marriage and address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the area, empowering young people, especially girls, to pursue their education and build a brighter future.
