Children in Karonga have called on the government, parents, and other stakeholders to prioritise education by ensuring schools are equipped and learners are not left behind due to poverty.
Speaking during this year’s Day of the African Child commemoration held on Saturday at Kasantha Primary School, the guest of honour Tiyamike Msiska, who is a Standard 5 learner at Kasantha Primary School, said many of their peers continue to struggle due to a lack of basic learning materials such as books, desks, school bags, and shortage of classrooms.
“It is painful to see some of us going to school with nothing, not even a pen. And learning under a tree negatively affects us, as we are easily distracted by the breeze and heavy winds. We are asking all stakeholders to help us learn better and have a brighter future”, Msika said.
She added that forced marriages, child labour, family conflicts, and climate-related disasters continue to disrupt their learning and overall well-being.
She therefore called for the strengthening of community-based support systems, improved implementation of the M’mera Poyamba early childhood development programme, and greater inclusion of children in decision-making processes that may alleviate some challenges.
In his remarks, Karonga District Council Chairperson, Berliam Msukwa, assured children of the council’s commitment to alleviating some of the challenges faced by children.
He said structures such as the District Labour Office, Malawi Police, and Immigration also work hand in hand in stopping issues of child labour and trafficking.
The African Child Commemoration Day was held under the theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights.”
By Wakisa Myamba
