Natural Disasters Blamed for Zomba Schools' Performance Decline, Officials Say
CAMFED, launched in Zimbabwe in 1993, began operations in Malawi in 2009 and in Zomba District in 2012.
ZOMBA, Malawi— Officials in Zomba district cite natural disasters as the main factor behind local schools dropping from 7th to 10th place in national rankings this year, writes Peter Davieson.
The revelation came Thursday during a Day of the African Child event organized by the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) at St. Paul Zone.
Patrick Gate, principal education officer for rural Zomba, said Cyclone Freddy heavily impacted the district.
"Because of the nature of our infrastructure in the district, some offices were washed away together with teaching and learning materials, so it was a challenge for learners and teachers to effectively learn and teach," Gate said.
Brazio Chinthenga, Zomba District Council chair, welcomed CAMFED's support for needy students.
"Government alone cannot manage to help all the needy students who need school fees," he said.
Chinthenga noted a decrease in child marriages due to civic education efforts.
"For the past years, the area had a tendency where marriages of children were high, but together with non-governmental organizations, we have tried to educate people on cultural norms that hinder children's education," he added.
Assistant Superintendent Naison Chibondo from the Victim Support Unit at Zomba police station warned against violating children's right to education.
"We are pleading to the general public to refrain from marrying children, and whoever is found doing this malpractice will face the law," Chibondo said.
CAMFED, launched in Zimbabwe in 1993, began operations in Malawi in 2009 and in Zomba District in 2012.