Balaka Police Offer Guidance to Students at Outreach Event
The outreach highlights the difficulties faced by many students in Malawi, where access to education requires overcoming economic and social hurdles.
BALAKA, Malawi— Balaka Police engaged students at St. Charles Lwangwa Secondary School in an outreach awareness meeting on Friday, addressing issues faced by the school's open students who commute long distances of up to 10 kilometers, writes Gladson M'bumpha.
Police say around 90% of the students travel to school from their homes, with some living as self-boarders. Insp. Brenda Khofi, the station's traffic officer who led the meeting, encouraged students to view their challenges as stepping stones to success.
"There are no shortcuts in academic success but rather endurance to the challenges," Khofi told students, many of whom come from underprivileged families.
This disadvantage has led some female students into sexual relationships to meet needs, risking unwanted pregnancies.
Traffic Sub Insp. Eliza Tamimu warned against criminal behavior like drug abuse and advised female students to report any abuse to authorities.
The school's deputy headteacher thanked police for the timely advice ahead of national exams, saying it will help students remain focused.
The outreach highlights the difficulties faced by many students in Malawi, where access to education requires overcoming economic and social hurdles.
Police say engaging and guiding youth is crucial for enabling their academic success.