Lack of Interest and Poverty Blamed for Decline in Education in Nsanje
This issue was addressed during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Concerned Citizens group over the weekend.
NSANJE, Malawi - Concerns have been raised over the decline in education and poor performance in national examinations in Nsanje, with both parents and learners being singled out as contributing factors, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
This issue was addressed during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Concerned Citizens group over the weekend.
Patrick Chamboko, Vice Chairperson of the group, expressed his disappointment with parents' lack of seriousness in checking their children's schoolwork.
He revealed that some learners take advantage of their parents' ignorance by completing their own schoolwork and marking it themselves, something that their parents would never consider.
Chamboko emphasised the importance of parents meeting with class teachers to monitor their children's progress.
Chamboko also highlighted the lack of seriousness among learners themselves, as many of them frequently skip school without valid reasons.
"Some learners leave their homes for school but never enter the classrooms," Chamboko stated.
Euritta Ntiza Valeta, Parliamentarian for Nsanje South West, identified poverty as a major challenge faced by parents in the district.
She explained that when a child is selected for secondary school, parents often struggle to pay the required fees due to financial constraints.
"Most people in Nsanje are jobless, and they cannot afford to sponsor their children," alleged Valeta.
Macdonald Jofirisi, Primary Education Advisor (PEA) for Mlonda Education Zone, commended the Concerned Citizens group for organising the stakeholders meeting to address the root causes of poor school performance in Nsanje.
He stressed the importance of motivating hardworking teachers to continue their efforts.
"Last year, the district awarded assorted items to the best-performing students and teachers as a form of recognition," Jofirisi revealed.
The stakeholders meeting shed light on the lack of interest from both parents and learners, as well as the impact of poverty on education in Nsanje.
Efforts are being made to address these issues and improve the overall performance of schools in the district.