By Burnett Munthali
The Japanese Embassy has been praised for addressing security and hygiene challenges at Ngwenya Primary School in Lilongwe.
This follows the embassy’s K82 million grant for the construction of change rooms for girls, a perimeter fence, and a security guard house at the Area 24-based school, which accommodates 2,600 pupils.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Youichi Oya, emphasized that the objective of the project is to enhance the learning environment while promoting privacy for girls.
In her remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo commended the embassy, stating that the project would resolve security concerns, as girls previously faced harassment while searching for changing spaces elsewhere due to inadequate hygiene facilities.
Ngwenya Primary School head teacher, Esther Kadzakuwani, highlighted that the construction of the fence would significantly improve security at the school, which is located near a busy market.
The initiative reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Malawi’s education sector by ensuring that children, especially girls, have a safe and conducive learning environment.
