ActionAid Urges Government to Address Education Challenges during Emergencies
ActionAid Malawi urges government to address educational challenges during emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted access for learners, writes Fletcher Simwaka.
Nsanje, Malawi - ActionAid Malawi has called on the government to implement long-term solutions to address the educational challenges faced during emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted access to education for learners, writes Fletcher Simwaka.
Pamela Kuwali, Executive Director of ActionAid Malawi, made the plea during the official handover ceremony of a school block and a gender-sensitive change room worth MK32 million at Chikunkha Primary School in Traditional Authority Malemia, Nsanje District.
Kuwali emphasized the need for the government to strengthen taxation systems and policies to mobilize additional resources for financing education during emergencies, including the recent disruption caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in the southern region's affected districts.
"The Malawi government should also enhance public finance systems to reduce financial losses due to corruption and extravagant lifestyles that deplete public funds. Approximately one-third of the national budget is lost through corruption, and when combined with other forms of waste, it leaves us with fewer resources for public services," stated Kuwali.
Furthermore, Kuwali urged the Nsanje District Council to ensure that local funding channels prioritize education during emergencies, which have significantly impacted the district.
Expressing appreciation for the donation on behalf of the government, Mike Falachi, councillor for the area, commended ActionAid for complementing the efforts of the district council in various areas, including education, social accountability, emergencies, and resilience.
Milca, one of the learners at Chikunkha Primary School, expressed gratitude for the new school block and change room, noting that it would serve as motivation for her and her peers to remain in school and focus on their education.
She also called upon parents to refrain from forcing girls into early marriages, emphasizing the potential of girls to become productive citizens by prioritizing education.
The call by ActionAid Malawi sheds light on the importance of addressing education challenges during emergencies, ensuring that learners have the opportunity to continue their education without disruptions.